The Lemon Drop cocktail traces its roots to 1970s San Francisco, widely credited to bartender Norman Jay Hobday of Henry Africa’s. Inspired by the classic lemon candy of the same name, the drink was designed to be playful yet refined—tart citrus softened by sweetness, served up with a sugared rim. Over time, it became a staple martini: crisp, accessible, and crowd-pleasing.
Bright, balanced, and citrus-forward, our N/A Lemon Drop is proof that a zero-proof cocktail can feel every bit as intentional and celebratory as the original.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Lemon Sour
- 1.5 oz N/A Gin
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 0.5 oz Aquafaba (faba)
- 5 drops Citrus Bitters
- Rose water (for spritz)
Glassware: Sugar-rimmed martini glass
Garnish: Dried lemon wheel
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled and lightly frothy.
- Lightly spritz the sugar-rimmed martini glass with rose water.
- Strain into the prepared glass, preferably a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
- Garnish with a dried lemon wheel and serve immediately.
