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Lemon Drop Pitcher Cocktail

A refreshing make-ahead pitcher cocktail combining vodka, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Cocktails and Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.75 cup simple syrup
  • 0.5 cup Cointreau or triple sec
  • 3 cups ice
  • Fresh lemon slices or twists for garnish
  • Superfine sugar for rimming glasses (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pitcher (at least 64 ounces)
  • Measuring cup
  • Jigger or shot glass
  • Juicer or citrus reamer
  • Cocktail strainer or fine-mesh sieve
  • Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
  • Coupe glasses or martini glasses
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Roll 4–5 fresh lemons under gentle pressure on a cutting board to soften before cutting them in half.
  2. Cut lemons in half and juice them using a juicer or citrus reamer, strain out pulp and seeds, yielding 1 cup fresh lemon juice.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and stir until sugar dissolves; remove from heat and let cool completely (about 10 minutes).
  4. Pour 2 cups vodka into a large 64-ounce pitcher using a jigger for accuracy.
  5. Add 0.5 cup Cointreau or triple sec to the pitcher and stir gently.
  6. Add 1 cup fresh lemon juice to the pitcher and stir to combine.
  7. Add 0.75 cup cooled simple syrup to the pitcher and stir vigorously with a bar spoon for 1 minute.
  8. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  9. When ready to serve, fill each coupe or martini glass with ice and pour the chilled cocktail over the ice.
  10. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice or twist and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve chilled in sugar-rimmed glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices for best presentation.