Copycat CutWater Lemon Drop Recipe

The Cutwater Lemon Drop is an elegant and zesty cocktail that has become a staple in my repertoire, perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing friends at gatherings. If you’re searching for a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that captures the essence of a sunny afternoon or adds a splash of sophistication to any event, look no further.

How to make CutWater Lemon Drop

Cutwater Lemon Drop is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail made by Cutwater Spirits. It’s based on the classic lemon drop martini.

Ingredients

Before we begin, ensure you have all the ingredients ready:

• Cutwater Vodka: 2 ounces (Cutwater Vodka is distilled from 100% corn and offers a naturally gluten-free, smooth base.).
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 ounce (freshly squeezed for the best zingy flavor).
• Simple Syrup: ¾ ounce (you can purchase it from the store or make your own by dissolving 1 part sugar in 1 part hot water and letting it cool).
• Triple Sec (optional): ½ ounce (adds an extra layer of orange flavor depth, but this is entirely optional).
• Ice
• Lemon Twist or Slice (Garnish)
• Sugar (Rimming the Glass): 2 tablespoons (for a sugared rim to balance the tartness).

Instructions

Prepare the Glass

1. Take a martini or coupe glass. Lightly wet the rim with a lemon wedge.
2. Dip the rim into sugar placed on a small plate to create a sweet, frosty edge.

Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

Into a cocktail shaker, add:

1. 2 ounces of Cutwater Vodka
2. 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
3. ¾ ounce of simple syrup
4. (Optional) ½ ounce of triple sec for added flavor.
5. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
6. Shake, Shake, Shake!
7. Securely close the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
8. This chills the mixture while diluting it slightly, resulting in a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Strain and Serve

1. Using a strainer, pour the chilled cocktail into your prepared sugar-rimmed martini glass.
2. Add a thin lemon twist or a lemon slice on the rim for garnish.
3. Sip slowly and savor the citrusy, refreshing flavors!

Tips for the Perfect Cutwater Lemon Drop

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable here. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same zing or brightness.
• Balance the Sweet and Tart: Taste the mixture before serving (while still in the shaker) to adjust sweetness or tartness. Feel free to add a touch more simple syrup or lemon juice based on personal preference.
• Chill for Perfection: For an extra-smooth drinking experience, chill the glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before using.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Try adding a sprig of mint or a sugared lemon wheel for a creative twist.
• Batch for Gatherings: Hosting a party? Scale the ingredients up and make a big batch in a pitcher. Serve over ice or pour into glasses for a crowd-pleasing cocktail.

What to serve with

The Cutwater Lemon Drop is a refreshing, sweet-tart vodka cocktail that’s light, zesty, and perfect for any occasion. When deciding what to serve alongside, it’s important to balance the vibrant citrus flavors of the drink with complementary dishes that enhance the drinking experience.

• Shrimp Cocktail: The natural sweetness of shrimp, paired with a tangy cocktail sauce, mirrors the drink’s citrus notes while giving a refreshing, light bite.
• Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The fresh ingredients and slight acidity from the balsamic beautifully complement the brightness of the Lemon Drop.
• Smoked Salmon Crostini: Toasted baguette slices topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. The creamy, smoky flavors contrast nicely with the tartness of the cocktail.
• Avocado and Lime Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: The zesty lime in guacamole bridges perfectly with the lemony drink, offering a refreshing, creamy option to snack on.
• Crispy Calamari with Lemon Aioli: Fried calamari paired with a tangy, zesty lemon aioli for dipping makes for a crispy and flavorful pairing with the Lemon Drop.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Cutwater Lemon Drop is a ready-to-pour cocktail made by Cutwater Spirits, known for its balanced mixture of vodka, real lemon juice, and a hint of sugar.

Vodka

Original Ingredient: Vodka is the spirit base of a Lemon Drop, typically a clean, neutral vodka.

Substitutes:

• Gin: Adds a botanical twist to the drink.
• White Rum: A light rum can work, though it will add a slightly sweet molasses undertone.
• Tequila Blanco: For a citrusy variation, tequila blanco can be used as a substitute for vodka, adding a unique tang to the drink.
• Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Use Seedlip Grove 42 (a non-alcoholic spirit) for a similar citrus-forward base without the alcohol.

Lemon Juice

Original Ingredient: Freshly squeezed lemon juice for zing and tartness.

Substitutes:

• Lime Juice: For a sharper, slightly sweeter citrus taste.
• Lemon Extract + Water: Combine a few drops of lemon extract with a tablespoon of water for a concentrated lemon flavor.
• Citric Acid Solution: Dissolve citric acid powder in water to replicate the tartness of lemon juice.
• Bottled Lemon Juice: While not as fresh, this can work in a pinch.

Simple Syrup

Original Ingredient: Sweetener made by dissolving sugar into an equal amount of water.

Substitutes:

• Honey Syrup: Mix honey with an equal amount of warm water for a floral sweetness.
• Agave Nectar: Adds sweetness with a hint of earthiness; dilute slightly with water to mimic simple syrup.
• Maple Syrup: For a richer, deeper sweetness (though it may influence the drink’s flavor profile).
• Stevia Solution: Combine powdered or liquid stevia with water to make a low-calorie sweetener substitute.

Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur (Optional in some recipes)

Original Ingredient: Triple Sec adds a hint of orange and depth to the Lemon Drop.

Substitutes:

• Cointreau or Grand Marnier: Higher-end alternatives for a refined orange flavor.
• Orange Juice: Provides natural sweetness and citrus notes without the alcohol.
• Orange Extract + Water: Combine orange extract with water for a non-alcoholic orange essence.

Sugar for Rimming the Glass

Original Ingredient: Granulated white sugar is used to coat the rim of the glass.

Substitutes:

• Brown Sugar: Provides a richer, more caramel-like sweetness.
• Coconut Sugar: Adds a hint of nuttiness.
• Spiced Sugar Mix: Create a mix of sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a holiday-inspired variation.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast (similar to a Margarita style).

Water (Dilution in RTD Versions)

Original Ingredient: Cutwater Lemon Drop cocktails often include water to balance the strength.

Substitutes:

• Soda Water: Adds carbonation for a fizzy twist.
• Tonic Water: Infuses slight bitterness to complement the citrus.
• Coconut Water: Provides hydration with a subtle nutty-sweet tone.

Final Thoughts

This Cutwater Lemon Drop recipe strikes the right balance between refreshing and indulgent.

More Cutwater Recipes:

• Copycat Cutwater Espresso Martini Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater Strawberry Margarita Recipe