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A cranberry lemon drop martini served in a chilled martini glass, garnished with fresh cranberries, a lemon wheel, and a rosemary sprig, set against a warm festive background.

Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini

A bright, festive Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini made with cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, vodka, triple sec, and homemade simple syrup. This cocktail is sweet, tart, refreshing, and perfect for the holiday season. Shake it over ice, strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass, and garnish with cranberries, lemon, or rosemary for an easy yet stunning signature drink.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Servings 1 person
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger (or measuring spoons)
  • Martini glass
  • Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
  • Mason jar (for storing simple syrup)
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother pour)
  • Citrus Juicer optional

Ingredients
  

For the Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup natural cane sugar

For the Martini

  • 2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
  • 1½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½–1 oz simple syrup (to taste)

For the Rim + Garnish

  • 1/2-1 cup Natural cane sugar (for the rim)
  • 1 Lemon wedge
  • 3 Fresh cranberries
  • 1 Rosemary sprig or slice of lemon / twist of lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

How to make Simple Syrup

  • 1. Add water and natural cane sugar to a small saucepan.
  • 2. Warm over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
  • 3. Let cool. Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How to make Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini

  • 1. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the martini glass. Dip in natural cane sugar and set aside.
  • 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • 3. Add cranberry juice, vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • 4. Shake until the shaker is ice-cold and frosty.
  • 5. Strain into your prepared martini glass.
  • 6. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, or a lemon slice or twist of lemon.

Notes

Recipe Notes (Practical & Helpful)

For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup. If making these for a party, mix a larger batch (without ice) in advance and keep it chilled in a mason jar.

Recipe Notes (Holiday Hosting Tip)

To serve these at a party, pre-rim your martini glasses with sugar and line them up on a tray. Keep the cocktail mixture chilled in a mason jar and give it a quick shake with ice right before pouring.

Recipe Notes (Garnish Upgrade)

For an extra festive touch, freeze your cranberries first. They work like tiny ice cubes without watering down the drink and make the martini look beautiful.
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