If you love bright, citrusy cocktails with just the right balance of sweet and tart, this Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini deserves a spot in your glass. It’s a festive twist on the classic lemon drop, blending fresh lemon juice with vibrant cranberry and smooth vodka for a drink that feels both refreshing and celebratory.
This martini is perfect for cozy fall evenings, holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, or even a quick solo treat after a long day. With its ruby-red color, sugared rim, and crisp flavor, it looks elegant but comes together in just minutes—no complicated techniques required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 5 minutes
- Sweet-tart flavor that’s refreshing, not overpowering
- Perfect for holidays, parties, and special occasions
- Easily customizable for sweetness and citrus level
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
Ingredients
- Vodka (or cranberry-flavored vodka) – The smooth base that carries all the flavors
- Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and that classic lemon drop zing
- Triple sec – Brings subtle orange notes and depth (can be substituted)
- Simple syrup – Balances the tartness; adjust to taste
- Cranberry juice (100% unsweetened) – Provides bold color and tart cranberry flavor
For the Rim
- Lemon wedge – Moistens the glass rim and adds aroma
- Granulated sugar – Creates the classic sweet lemon drop rim
How to Make a Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini
Prepare the Glass
Run a lemon wedge around the outer rim of a martini glass to lightly wet it. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of sugar, gently turning until evenly coated. Set aside.
Mix the Cocktail
Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker. Drop in a couple of ice cubes.
Shake
Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy. This step helps blend the citrus and cranberry smoothly.
Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a lemon slice, lemon twist, or a few cranberries if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Start with unsweetened cranberry juice and adjust sweetness with simple syrup
- Shake long enough to properly chill the drink—cold makes all the difference
- Taste before serving and tweak lemon or syrup to suit your preference
- Chill your martini glass ahead of time for an extra-refreshing sip
Equipment Needed
- Liquid measuring cup or jigger
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
- Martini glass or coupe glass
Recipe Variations
- Extra Cranberry: Use cranberry-flavored vodka for a bolder berry taste
- Sweeter Version: Swap in cranberry juice cocktail instead of unsweetened juice
- Stronger Citrus: Add a little lemon zest to the shaker for extra aroma
- Orange Twist: Replace triple sec with Cointreau or Grand Marnier
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry lemon drop martini with light appetizers like cheese boards, roasted nuts, or citrusy desserts. It also pairs beautifully with holiday cookies, cheesecake, or lemon-based sweets. For parties, garnish with frozen cranberries for a festive look that keeps the drink cold.
FAQs
Can I make this drink sweeter?
Yes. Add more simple syrup or use sweetened cranberry juice instead of unsweetened.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the liquids and refrigerate, but shake with ice just before serving for best texture.
What can I use instead of triple sec?
Cointreau or Grand Marnier work well. You can also omit it, though it adds nice complexity.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
How do I garnish this drink?
A lemon twist, lemon slice, or frozen cranberries all work beautifully.
Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy casserole by Dolly Parton is a comforting 5-ingredient classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with mushroom soup, cooked rice, vegetables, and half the cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Swap mushroom soup with cream of chicken if preferred.
- Add herbs or spices to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini is proof that a cocktail can be both simple and stunning. With its crisp citrus flavor, festive color, and customizable sweetness, it’s a drink you’ll want to make again and again—especially during the holiday season. Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your twist on this classic with friends and family. Cheers!
