Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim
A zesty vodka martini featuring bright lemon infusion and a sparkling citrus sugar rim for a lively, refreshing cocktail experience. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together vodka, dry vermouth, lemon zest for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 165 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- enough to fill shaker ice cubes
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest on a small plate; mix well to create the citrus sugar rim.
- Step 2: Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, then dip the rim into the citrus sugar mixture to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add 2.5 oz vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosted and cold.
- Step 5: Strain into the prepared martini glass and serve immediately for a bright, citrus-forward cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim?
Refrigerate any leftover lemon-infused vodka martini with citrus sugar rim in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Infused Vodka Martini with Citrus Sugar Rim?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
