Cherry Lemon Drop Cocktail
A bright, sweet-tart twist on the lemon drop—vodka, fresh lemon, cherry liqueur, and simple syrup shaken ice-cold with a sugar rim.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Martini or coupe glass
- Small plate and spoon
- Bar spoon
- Ice cubes
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka plain or cherry-flavored
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz cherry liqueur or maraschino syrup
- ice cubes for shaking
- granulated sugar for rimming the glass
- maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a chilled martini or coupe glass with lemon juice, then dip in granulated sugar to coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and cherry liqueur (or maraschino syrup).
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until very cold.
- Fine-strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist.
Notes
Balance to taste: add a splash more simple syrup if too tart, or extra lemon if too sweet. For a lighter version, top with a splash of soda water. Chill the vodka and glassware for an extra crisp finish; fresh juice makes the flavors brighter.