Lemon Drop Martini
Vodka, triple sec, and lemon — Norman Hobday's early 1970s Henry Africa's creation evolved into the 1990s martini glass format as premium citrus vodkas arrived.
- 2 ozvodka(citrus if available)
- ¾ ozcointreau
- 1 ozfresh lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- ½ ozsimple syrup 1:1
- lemon twist and sugar rimgarnish
Share this page
The Lemon Drop was created by bartender Norman Jay Hobday in the early 1970s at Henry Africa's, a pioneering fern bar he opened on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco in 1969. Henry Africa's helped establish the casual, welcoming bar aesthetic that would define American social drinking for the following two decades, and Hobday developed a range of accessible, playful cocktails including the Lemon Drop — designed to taste like a lemon drop candy while delivering a serious vodka kick. The Lemon Drop Martini format emerged during the 1990s martini renaissance, when upscale bars served it in V-shaped martini glasses using premium citrus-flavored vodkas. The sugar-rimmed glass, the lemon wheel garnish, and the bright citrus sweetness made it one of the defining drinks of 1990s upscale casual bar culture, particularly popular with vodka drinkers who found traditional martinis too astringent.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Lemon Drop Martini at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.