Peppermint Twist Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for giving classic cocktails a little twist, and honestly, the lemon drop is one I just keep coming back to. There’s something about that punchy citrus flavor—it’s so refreshing.

Adding peppermint? It brings in this cool finish that’s crisp, kind of playful, and just a bit unexpected. This Peppermint Twist Lemon Drop Cocktail mixes tart lemon with a hint of mint, and it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before.

When I’m making a lemon drop martini, I try to keep the base simple so those flavors really pop. The peppermint is just enough to surprise you, but it doesn’t take over the whole drink.

It’s great for a holiday get-together or if you just want to shake up a classic you already love. Sometimes you need something familiar but with a little extra flair, right?

This recipe’s quick to throw together. No fancy tricks, nothing complicated.

Just a few ingredients, a good shake, and you’ve got something that feels classic but stands out from the crowd.

Peppermint Twist Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

I like this one because it’s got that sharp, fresh lemon taste with a cool peppermint kick. The combo of sweet, tart, and minty is just really easy to drink—perfect for hanging out at home or sharing with friends.

Equipment

Here’s what I usually grab before I start mixing—makes things smoother.

• Cocktail shaker – For mixing and chilling everything together.
• Strainer – So you don’t end up with ice chunks in your glass.
• Martini glass or cocktail glass – I always chill mine first if I remember.
• Measuring jigger – Keeps things from getting too boozy (or not boozy enough).
• Small plate – For the sugar rim, of course.
• Bar spoon – Just in case you want to stir instead of shake.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice is totally worth the extra step.

Having your tools out ahead of time just makes everything go faster. And honestly, a sugared rim on a cold glass just looks and tastes better.

Ingredients

I like to measure everything out before I start—otherwise I always forget something.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau (orange liqueur)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
• Ice cubes
• Sugar for the rim
• Lemon twist or lemon slices for garnish

Fresh lemon juice is a must for me—it just makes everything brighter. The peppermint schnapps is what gives it that cool twist, and the sugar rim helps balance out the tartness.

Instructions

Here’s how I put it all together.

• Stick a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
• Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass.
• Dip the rim in sugar so it’s coated all the way around.
• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and peppermint schnapps.
• Shake it up until the shaker feels really cold.
• Strain into your prepared glass.
• Add a lemon twist or a thin lemon slice for garnish.

I usually shake for about 15 seconds—enough to get it super cold. That sugar rim makes the first sip extra sweet, which is nice with the tart lemon.

Notes

If I’m making this for someone who doesn’t like things too sweet, I just cut back a bit on the simple syrup.

Seriously, use fresh lemon juice if you can. It just makes the drink taste so much cleaner and brighter.

If I’m out of triple sec, I’ll grab Cointreau—it’s a little smoother, in my opinion. And hey, if you want a stronger peppermint vibe, swap the sugar rim for crushed candy cane.

Pouring it into a chilled martini glass keeps it crisp, and a little lemon twist on top smells amazing right before you take a sip.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the cool peppermint jumps out at me. It’s crisp and refreshing—almost like a gentle chill rolling across my tongue.

The mint doesn’t smack you in the face, but it definitely sets the scene for what’s coming next. There’s something about it that just feels right.

After that, the citrus from the lemon sneaks in. It’s got this bright, sharp edge that cuts through the sweetness.

Honestly, I love how the lemon keeps things from getting too heavy or syrupy. It gives the cocktail a bit of lift.

There’s also a soft sweetness—kind of reminds me of a candy drop, but not in a way that’s cloying. It’s light, smooth, and just makes the whole thing easy to drink.

The finish is pretty clean, with that mix of mint and lemon hanging around for a moment.

I keep noticing how the sweet, tart, and cool flavors all play off each other—makes every sip feel super refreshing.

If you serve it chilled, the flavors really pop. The cold brings out the peppermint and keeps the citrus tasting bright.