Blackberry Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Blackberry Lemon Drop Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol content:~20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Blackberry Lemon Drop is a fruity twist on the classic Lemon Drop cocktail. It originated in the craft cocktail movement, where bartenders sought to infuse traditional recipes with new, vibrant flavors.

  • Popularity: This drink has become popular among those who appreciate a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Occasions: Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing after-dinner treat.
  • Variations: Many variations exist, substituting different berry flavors or types of citrus.

How Blackberry Lemon Drop Tastes?

The Blackberry Lemon Drop is a delightful mix of sweet and sour with a robust blackberry essence. The citrus punch of lemon is perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of Triple Sec, while the vodka provides a smooth, strong backbone.

Interesting facts about Blackberry Lemon Drop

  • The Lemon Drop cocktail, from which this drink derives, was invented in the 1970s in a San Francisco bar.
  • Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which can add a healthful twist to your cocktail indulgence.
  • The sugar rim on the glass not only adds sweetness but also provides a pleasing textural contrast.

Ingredients

A few good options for Blackberry Lemon Drop are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Stoli Blackberry Vodka (2 oz)

Using Stoli Blackberry Vodka infuses the cocktail with a fruity and slightly tart blackberry flavor, which is essential for the profile of this drink. If you use less, you might miss out on the berry goodness; more, and you could overwhelm the other flavors. If you don't have Stoli Blackberry, another blackberry vodka or even a plain vodka with a teaspoon of blackberry syrup could be a workaround, but the flavor might be less nuanced.

Mary Mitkina

Triple Sec (1 oz)

Triple Sec adds a sweet and complex orange flavor that complements the blackberry and lemon. It's a balancing act - too little, and the drink may lack depth; too much, and it could become too sweet. A substitute like Cointreau or Grand Marnier would offer a similar citrus profile, albeit with a slightly different taste and possibly higher alcohol content.

Alex Green

Fresh Lemon Juice (0.5 oz)

The zingy tartness of fresh lemon juice counteracts the sweetness of the vodka and Triple Sec, providing a refreshing twist. Lemon juice is key, and using less would make the cocktail too sweet; more could make it too tart. Bottled lemon juice can be a fallback, but fresh is always best for a bright, vibrant flavor.

Emma Rose

Sugar Packet (1)

Sugar adds a necessary sweetness that smooths out the acidity of the lemon. A delicate balance is crucial, as too little sugar won't tame the tartness, whereas too much can lead to a cloying, overly sweet drink. If you're out of sugar packets, granulated sugar or even simple syrup can be used as substitutes; just mind the sweetness level.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet and Sour Mix (Splash)

A splash of sweet and sour mix brings additional complexity to the drink – it’s like a flavor enhancer. Its absence would result in a less rounded flavor profile. If you prefer, you can skip the mix and adjust the sugar and lemon juice to taste; expect a slightly different flavor that might lean more on the natural tartness of lemon.

Alex Green

Ice (Cubes as needed)

Ice is crucial for chilling and diluting the cocktail to the perfect sipping strength. Without ice, the flavors would be too intense and the cocktail too warm. Crushed ice could be used for a quicker chill, though it may dilute the cocktail faster than desired.

Emma Rose

Sugar (For rimming)

The sugar rim provides a sweet contrast with each sip, enhancing the cocktail's sweet-and-sour balance. Without the sugar rim, the drink's initial taste might be overly tart. Alternatively, a salt rim could offer a savory twist, but it would fundamentally change the drink's character.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Twist (For garnish)

A lemon twist not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes a subtle lemon aroma which enhances the first sip. Leaving it out won't drastically change the flavor, but the presentation and initial sensory experience will be less engaging.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Blackberry Lemon Drop Drink

  1. Prepare the Glass:
    • Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar.
  2. Mix the Cocktail:
    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
    • Add 2 oz of Stoli Blackberry Vodka, 1 oz of Triple Sec, the juice of half a lemon, and 1 packet of sugar.
    • Add a splash of sweet and sour mix.
    • Shake vigorously until the shaker feels frosty.
  3. Serve:
    • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
    • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Glass: Always start with a chilled glass to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Balance: Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your taste by adding more or less sugar and sour mix.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters - A selection of mild cheeses will complement the fruity notes of the cocktail without overpowering it.
  • Seafood dishes - Light seafood like shrimp or scallops can be a great pairing, as the lemon in the cocktail will highlight their natural flavors.

Desserts

  • Lemon sorbet - To echo the citrus flavors, a light lemon sorbet makes for a refreshing after-dinner treat.
  • Berry desserts - Think blackberry cobbler or a simple fresh berry mix that resonates with the blackberry flavor of the vodka.

Salads

  • Green salad with fruity vinaigrette - A salad dressed with a citrus-based vinaigrette will match the acidity and sweetness of the cocktail.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Blackberry Lemon Drop

  • Vodka: If Stoli Blackberry is unavailable, any quality blackberry-flavored vodka can be used.
  • Triple Sec: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used for a more upscale version.
  • Sweet and Sour Mix: Homemade mix can be made with equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Raspberry Lemon Drop

Replace the blackberry vodka with raspberry vodka and garnish with fresh raspberries. This variant introduces a slightly different berry profile, with a bit more sweetness and a less pronounced tartness compared to blackberry, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter sip.

Herbal Lemon Drop

Add a few fresh basil leaves to the shaker before adding the other ingredients. The basil will infuse the cocktail with an aromatic herbal note that complements the fruit flavors, offering a refreshing garden twist to the classic Lemon Drop.

Spicy Lemon Drop

Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a kick of heat. The spicy jalapeño can elevate the cocktail to a new dimension of flavor, balancing the sweetness with a zesty punch. It's ideal for those who like their sweet with a side of spice.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blackberry Lemon Drop

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Blackberry Lemon Drop

What type of glass is best for serving the Blackberry Lemon Drop cocktail?

A martini glass or a coupe glass is traditionally used for serving the Blackberry Lemon Drop to show off the elegant color and garnishing.

Can the Blackberry Lemon Drop cocktail be made in a pitcher for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything in a pitcher. Chill thoroughly and serve in sugar-rimmed glasses.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for vodka in the Blackberry Lemon Drop?

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use blackberry puree or a blackberry-flavored syrup mixed with lemon juice, and a splash of club soda or tonic water for the fizz.

How do I achieve the perfect sugar rim on my cocktail glass?

Wipe the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge to moisten it, and then dip it into a shallow plate of sugar, twisting the glass slightly to ensure an even coat.

Are there any specific techniques for shaking the cocktail to achieve the best texture?

Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink, as well as to ensure the ingredients are well integrated.

More similar recipes to Blackberry Lemon Drop!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe