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A festive red Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini in a sugar-rimmed glass, garnished with a fresh lemon slice and surrounded by cranberries.

Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini

A vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic, this Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini balances tart cranberry with bright lemon, a hint of sweetness, and a smooth vodka base. Perfect for festive gatherings or a sophisticated evening sip.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Cocktail, Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugared Rim
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for rim
  • 1 lemon wedge for rim
For the Martini
  • 2 oz vodka premium
  • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or low-sugar
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 cup ice for shaking
For Garnish
  • 1 lemon twist
  • 3-5 fresh cranberries

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Martini glass
  • Small shallow plate

Method
 

Prepare the Martini Glass
  1. Pour the granulated sugar onto a small shallow plate. Run the lemon wedge around the rim of your martini glass to moisten it. Gently dip the moistened rim into the sugar, rotating to create an even sugared edge. Set the glass aside.
Mix the Martini
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and simple syrup to the shaker.
  2. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the chilled martini directly into your prepared sugared martini glass.
  2. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist and a few fresh cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy your Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini!

Notes

For a homemade simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely before using. Store any leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preferred sweetness. For a tarter drink, reduce it; for a sweeter drink, add a little more.
To make a batch for a party, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Mix all liquid ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher and chill. When ready to serve, pour into a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into individual sugared glasses.