This Basil Lemon Drop is the perfect summer cocktail! Lemon Drop martinis are incredibly refreshing and perfect for patio entertaining. Serve by the pitcher full for easy entertaining at it’s best! Cocktail lover? Make sure to try this Midori Sour and Pineapple Margarita!
Lemon Drops have long been one of my favorite drinks because they are so darn refreshing! Perfect for a hot summer’s day! This easy to make cocktail has just four ingredients and will have you living your best summer life yet!
Lemon Drop: Single Serving or Pitcher?
Single serving cocktails are fine, sure, but why make one drink when you can whip up a pitcher full with just a teensy bit more effort?
When I’m serving cocktails at parties, I prefer to make them by the pitcher. That frees up my time and let’s my guests serve themselves. Pitchers are great for easy entertaining like BBQs and casual poolside parties.
Lemon Drop Ingredients
Lemon drops are really made from just three ingredients:
- lemons – we’ll be using fresh lemon juice and lemon slices for this lemon drop martini. And yes, it really needs to be fresh lemon juice, the taste is worth the effort.
- simple syrup – which is just sugar and water
- and Vodka
You can also add some Cointreau (aka Triple Sec), an orange liqueur or even sweet and sour mix. Both of these make for a delicious Lemon Drop martini.
Since I was adding basil to this recipe, I didn’t add any additional flavors and kept the lemon drop pretty pure.
Quick and Easy Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is easily made and is great to have on hand for cocktails such as this lemon drop as well as lemonades and punches.
- Combine equal amounts of water and granulated sugar in saucepan and stir to combine. I frequently do 1 cup of each or 2 cups of each if I want to have some on hand for future drinks.
- Let come to a simmer and stir just a few minutes or until sugar has dissolved.
- Remove pan from heat and let cool.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
How To Make a Lemon Drop
- Place basil leaves in a large pitcher and using a rubber tip muddler, muddle the basil leaves lightly.
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add lots of lemon slices and ice.
- Stir to combine.
- Pour into cups filled with ice and garnish with fresh basil and lemon slices.
- Enjoy!
Cocktail Garnish
I like to top each glass with a lemon slice and some fresh basil but this is totally optional. If you would like to do a sugar rim (yum!) see my notes below in Variations To Try.
Tips and FAQs
- The simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks in an airtight container.
- You really don’t want to muddle the basil too far in advance of your party because the leaves will eventually brown from the bruising.
- Reserve extra lemons and basil for garnish. It makes the cocktail so much more appealing!
Lemon Drop Variations To Try
-
Basil is delicious in this lemon drop recipe but we love mint just as much.
- Simply replace the basil in this recipe for mint and you’ll have a lovely new cocktail in your repertoire.
- Try a sugar rim! Sugar rims are always fun and add a lovely sweetness to each sip. They’re easy to do:
-
- Simply place about a quarter cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl.
- In a separate shallow bowl, add enough water to just coat the rim of your glass when dipped. (You can also use simple syrup here.)
- Take it up a notch by zesting one of the lemons and rubbing it into the sugar to create lemon sugar.
More Delicious Drinks To Try
- Midori Sour
- Pineapple Margarita
- Berry Champagne Punch
- Pineapple Strawberry Mojito
- Coconut Lime Cilantro Cooler
How To Make a Lemon Drop
Basil Lemon Drop
Ingredients
- 15 fresh basil leaves
- 3 cups vodka
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups simple syrup
- 3 cups ice
- 2 lemons sliced
Garnish
- lemon slices
- basil
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, muddle the basil leaves lightly.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add lemon slices and ice.
- Stir to combine. Pour into cups filled with ice and garnish with fresh basil and lemon slices.
Tina says
It is such a delicious and elevated cocktail and now our favorite! Since finding this recipe about a year ago, we have made it over and over again for every social occasion. It is always a huge hit! Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you enjoy it Tina!