Simple Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini

Enjoy this refreshing sweet and zesty Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini in under 3 minutes. Made with fresh blueberries and fresh lemon juice, this blueberry twist on a classic cocktail is the perfect summer cocktail that only requires four ingredients. Make it at home during a summer Friday for happy hour!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Refreshing. Made with fresh blueberries and fresh lemons, this blueberry lemon drop cocktail will cool you down on a hot summer day. The sweet blueberry flavor compliments the zesty lemon making them a perfect combination! If you like refreshing cocktails, try my frozen aperol spritz.

• Simple Ingredients. Made with only four ingredients, this cocktail calls for fresh blueberries, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and a smooth vodka. 

• Unique. Surprise your dinner party guests with this delicious twist on a classic! While your guests or you may have had a  classic lemon drop martini or lemon drop shot at a local bar, the addition of muddled blueberries enhances its flavor profile and makes it irresistible.

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Fresh Blueberries. Use fresh, not frozen, blueberries for this cocktail. Fresh blueberries will produce the juiciest, purest flavor when muddling. They also will cause the cocktail to have a beautiful color. If you have any left over blueberries, use them in my blueberry lemon donuts!

• Fresh Lemon Juice.  Fresh lemon juice squeezed from a lemon will provide the purest flavor. Pre-squeezed lemon juice can be watered down and simply does not taste as great. 

• Simple Syrup. Whether you make your own simple syrup or your use a store bought, this will sweetened up your blueberry martini recipe. You can also use a sugar free version. I have not tried making this vodka martini with maple syrup, agave or honey, but I would cautious against it, as it can change the flavor.

• Vodka. Regular vodka works perfectly for this cocktail. I like to use Titos or Ketel One. If you want to enhance the blueberry flavor, you can use blueberry vodka, such as Stoli Blueberi Vodka. The same goes for the lemon flavor, which you can use a lemon vodka for. I find that plain vodka is best and allows all flavors to be perfectly balanced.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1. If you are making your own simple syrup, start by doing that. Then, place a martini glass in the freezer.

Step 2. Add the fresh blueberries into a cocktail shaker. Using your muddler or an object with a blunt end, such as the back of a wooden spoon, firmly muddle the the blueberries the juice escapes. This will usually take 15-25 seconds.

Step 3. Add the fresh squeezed lemon juice, vodka and simple syrup to the shaker with the muddle blueberries. Add in about 1 cup of ice cubes then shake the cocktail shaker for 30-45 seconds.

Step 4.* Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, coupe glass or even a cocktail glass (use what you have!). If you do not want any blueberry residue in your martini, use a fine mesh strainer when pouring the cocktail into the glass. Option to garnish with extra blueberries, lemon slice or even a lemon twist!

*If you would like to add a sugar rimmed to the martini glass, do so before adding the blueberry lemon drop martini into it. To add a sugar rim, add 1-2 tbsp of simple syrup into a shallow, wide bowl or plate with edges. Then, add about ⅓ cup of sugar into another shallow, wide bowl or plate with edges. Regular sugar works well, or a sugar free alternative, like monk fruit. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the simple syrup, gently twisting it then dip it into the sugar bowl, twisting it again. Remove it from the sugar bowl and then pour the cocktail into it.

STORAGE AND TIME SAVING HACKS

This delicious cocktail is best served immediately. If you do need to store it, store it in the fridge for up to 3 hours without any ice or garnish.

To save on time, use store bought simple syrup and juice the lemon ahead of time.

FAQS

EXPERT TIPS

• Muddle the blueberries. Make sure to muddle the blueberries to release the juices. Skipping this step will cause the cocktail to have little to no blueberry flavor.

• Serve in a chilled martini glass. Martinis are best when they are iced cold. While ice cubes are not placed in the martini glass because they will dilute the cocktail, a chilled martini glass will keep it cold!

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