Citrus Spark Martini

The Citrus Spark Martini is a clean, crisp cocktail that brings together the zest of lemon, the brightness of fresh orange, and the smooth kick of vodka—all balanced with a splash of triple sec and finished in a sugared-rim martini glass. Elegant and invigorating, it’s a sunshine-in-a-glass kind of drink that’s perfect for brunch, happy hour, or any time you need a vibrant twist on a classic.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
• Ice (for shaking)

Garnish:

• Sugar (for the rim)
• Orange twist

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip the rim into sugar to create a sparkling edge. Set aside.
2. Shake the Cocktail:
   In a cocktail shaker, add:
   • 2 oz vodka
   • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
   • ½ oz fresh orange juice
   • ½ oz triple sec
     Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain and Serve:
   Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass for a smooth, elegant pour.
4. Garnish:
   Add a fresh orange twist on the rim or float it in the glass for a touch of citrus glam.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice.
• If you like your martinis sweeter, add a splash of simple syrup or honey syrup.
• Add a dash of soda water for a sparkling finish.

Helpful Tips

• Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving to keep your drink colder longer.
• Want to get fancy? Zest a little orange into the sugar rim before dipping for extra citrus aroma.
• Don’t over-shake — 15 seconds is plenty to mix and chill without over-diluting.

Conservation and Storage

• This cocktail is best made fresh.
• You can pre-mix the citrus juices and triple sec and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Shake with vodka and ice just before serving.
• Do not store with ice or in the shaker to prevent dilution.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

• Triple Sec: Use Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a richer orange profile.
• Orange Juice: Blood orange or mandarin juice makes a stunning variation.
• Vodka: Try citrus-infused vodka for a more layered citrus flavor.

Variations:

• Add a splash of sparkling wine to turn it into a Citrus Spark Fizz.
• Use agave nectar instead of sugar on the rim for a subtle twist.
• Muddle fresh mint or basil before shaking for a herbal undertone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled citrus juice?

Fresh juice is strongly recommended—it adds brightness and depth that bottled juice just can’t match.

Is this drink sour or sweet?

It’s lightly tart with a hint of sweetness from the orange juice and triple sec. You can sweeten it to your preference with a bit of syrup.

Can I batch this cocktail?

Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, combine in a pitcher (without ice), and shake individual servings when ready.

Conclusion

The Citrus Spark Martini is the perfect mix of sophistication and sunshine. With fresh citrus juices, smooth vodka, and a sugared rim, it’s an uplifting sip that brings brightness to any occasion—be it brunch, happy hour, or just a golden moment for yourself.

Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Category: Vodka Cocktails, Martinis
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: American / Contemporary
• Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
• Keywords: citrus martini, vodka cocktail, lemon orange martini, triple sec drink, sugar rim martini

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Citrus juicer
• Bar spoon or peeler (for orange twist)
• Martini glass

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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