Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Cocktail Recipes, Popular Cocktails, Signature Drinks

The Raspberry Lemon Drop Cocktail is a fruity twist on the classic Lemon Drop, combining vodka, fresh lemon juice, and raspberry flavor for a bright, tart-sweet martini with a signature sugared rim.

Inspired by the original Lemon Drop created in San Francisco in the 1970s, this raspberry variation adds fresh berry flavor and color while keeping the crisp, citrus-forward balance that made the drink famous.

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  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
  • Flavor profile: Tart, citrusy, lightly sweet
  • Estimated ABV: ~22–26%
Things to know: The Raspberry Lemon Drop is stronger than it tastes. Like most vodka martinis, it can reach over 20% ABV depending on ratios and dilution.

Ingredients for a Raspberry Lemon Drop

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur or raspberry syrup
  • Ice
  • Sugar (for rim)
  • Fresh raspberry or lemon wheel (garnish)

How to Make a Raspberry Lemon Drop Cocktail

  1. Prepare the glass. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass and dip into sugar. Chill the glass.
  2. Build the cocktail. Add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and raspberry liqueur to a shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake hard. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  4. Strain and serve. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a fresh raspberry or lemon wheel.

Bartender Tips for the Best Raspberry Lemon Drop

  • Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice dulls the drink.
  • Balance sweetness carefully. Raspberry liqueurs vary in sugar.
  • Shake longer than usual. Extra dilution smooths the acidity.
  • Chill the glass. This cocktail should be ice-cold when served.

History of the Raspberry Lemon Drop

The Lemon Drop cocktail was invented in the 1970s at Henry Africa’s bar in San Francisco. As cocktail culture evolved in the 1980s and 1990s, fresh fruit variations like the Raspberry Lemon Drop became popular, adding color and fruit depth to the original recipe.

What to Serve with a Raspberry Lemon Drop

  • Lemon bars or citrus desserts
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Cheese boards with goat cheese or brie
  • Light seafood or chicken appetizers

Raspberry Lemon Drop Nutrition (Approximate)

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

  • Serving size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: ~210
  • Carbohydrates: ~20 g
  • Sugars: ~18 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: ~6 mg

Raspberry Lemon Drop FAQs

What is the alcohol content of a raspberry lemon drop?

A homemade Raspberry Lemon Drop typically ranges from 20% to 27% ABV, depending on vodka strength, ratios, and dilution.

Is a raspberry lemon drop sweet or sour?

It is primarily tart with balanced sweetness from raspberry liqueur and triple sec.

Can I make this without raspberry liqueur?

Yes. You can substitute raspberry syrup or muddled fresh raspberries with simple syrup.

More Tart & Fruity Cocktails to Try

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