Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass.
- Dip the rim into sugar and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add raspberry vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
What Is Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop?
Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop is a colorful twist on the classic Lemon Drop Martini. It combines raspberry-flavored vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a cocktail that is both sweet and tart. The drink is known for its vibrant electric-blue appearance and refreshing citrus flavor profile. Copycat versions generally use raspberry vodka and blue curaçao as the primary flavor components.
How To Make Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop
The drink starts with a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Raspberry vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup are shaken with ice until thoroughly chilled. The mixture is then strained into the prepared glass and garnished with a lemon wheel. Most copycat recipes can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
History of the Lemon Drop Cocktail
The Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop is based on the classic Lemon Drop cocktail. The original Lemon Drop was invented during the 1970s by Norman Jay Hobday in San Francisco. The drink became popular for its balance of sweet and sour flavors and later inspired many variations, including raspberry, blueberry, and blue raspberry versions.
Why Is This Drink So Popular?
- Eye-catching bright blue color
- Sweet and tangy flavor balance
- Easy to make at home
- Perfect for parties and celebrations
- Instagram and TikTok-friendly presentation
- Refreshing citrus finish
Best Food Pairings
This cocktail pairs especially well with:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chicken wings
- Loaded nachos
- Shrimp cocktail
- Grilled chicken sliders
- Spinach artichoke dip
- Fish tacos
- Cheesecake
Benefits
Refreshing Flavor
The combination of lemon and berry flavors creates a bright, refreshing drink.
Easy Preparation
Requires only a few ingredients and basic bar equipment.
Great Party Cocktail
Its vibrant color makes it a conversation starter at gatherings.
Customizable
Can be made sweeter, tart, stronger, or even alcohol-free.
Who Should Avoid This Recipe?
- Individuals under legal drinking age
- Pregnant women
- People avoiding alcohol
- Those sensitive to citrus fruits
- Individuals monitoring sugar intake
- Anyone taking medications that interact with alcohol
FAQs
Why is it called a Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop?
It combines the sweet-tart flavor of blue raspberry with the classic lemon drop cocktail base.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the vodka and blue curaçao with blue raspberry lemonade and sparkling water.
What vodka works best?
Raspberry vodka produces the closest flavor to most copycat versions.
Can I make a frozen version?
Yes. Blend the ingredients with ice to create a frozen blue raspberry lemon drop.
How strong is this cocktail?
Most copycat recipes contain about 2 ounces of spirits, making it a moderately strong martini-style cocktail.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can mix the liquid ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them. Shake with ice just before serving.
What gives the drink its blue color?
Blue curaçao is the primary ingredient responsible for the drink’s signature blue appearance.
Is Blue Raspberry a real fruit?
Not exactly. Blue raspberry flavor is a commercial flavor inspired by raspberry-like berries and became popular because of its distinctive bright blue color.