Mermaid Lemon Drop Cocktail – Ocean Vibes in a Glass

If you’ve been craving a splash of summer magic, this Mermaid Lemon Drop cocktail is exactly what you need to bring the sunshine to your glass. Thank you so much for stopping by—whether you’re a long-time reader or new to my little corner of the internet, I’m truly grateful you’re here. Sharing recipes like this one, that combine playful aesthetics with refreshing flavor, brings me so much joy. And I think you’ll fall in love with this one too. It’s vibrant, it’s tart, it’s sweet—it’s like a beach vacation disguised as a drink.

This cocktail combines fresh lemon juice with vodka, sweet simple syrup, and the colorful magic of Midori and Blue Curaçao. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and perfect for everything from casual backyard hangs to full-on pool parties. I’ve made it multiple times for gatherings and it never fails to draw compliments—and requests for the recipe.

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What Is a Mermaid Lemon Drop Cocktail?

The Mermaid Lemon Drop is a whimsical twist on the classic lemon drop martini, made all the more magical with the addition of Midori and Blue Curaçao. These two liqueurs don’t just add flavor—they bring that shimmering ocean color that makes this drink look like it belongs in an undersea fairytale.

The base of this cocktail is vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup—classic lemon drop territory. But then we swirl in a little Midori, a Japanese melon liqueur that adds subtle fruity sweetness, and Blue Curaçao, a bright blue orange-flavored liqueur that not only enhances the citrus profile but also deepens the color to a gorgeous aquamarine. The result? A stunning, tropical cocktail that tastes just as enchanting as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

This Mermaid Lemon Drop cocktail isn’t just pretty—it’s genuinely delicious and easy to make. Here’s why it deserves a place in your cocktail rotation:

• Vibrant presentation: The ocean-like blend of greens and blues is eye-catching and elegant, especially when paired with a sugar-rimmed glass.
• Bright and balanced flavor: The lemon juice brings tartness, the syrup sweetens it just enough, and the liqueurs round it out with fruity, citrusy complexity.
• Easy to prepare: All you need is a shaker and five minutes to whip this up.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re serving one or a crowd, this drink always brings a bit of tropical magic to the moment.

What Does the Mermaid Lemon Drop Taste Like?

At its core, the Mermaid Lemon Drop is crisp and citrus-forward thanks to the vodka and fresh lemon juice. The simple syrup smooths out the tartness without overpowering it, while Midori brings in subtle melon notes that play surprisingly well with the citrus. Blue Curaçao, with its orange essence, deepens the flavor and gives it that unmistakable “island cocktail” vibe.

The overall flavor is fresh, bright, and not too sweet—perfectly drinkable and incredibly refreshing. It’s a cocktail that’s as at home on a summer evening as it is at a themed party or girls’ night in.

Benefits of Making the Mermaid Lemon Drop

• Visually stunning: Its vibrant hues make it a perfect choice for entertaining.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even those who usually don’t go for strong cocktails love this one thanks to its fruity twist.
• Adaptable for a crowd: You can easily batch this drink in advance and shake individual servings as needed.
• Customizable: Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. More tart? Increase the lemon juice. Prefer a lower alcohol content? Add a splash of club soda.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 5 medium lemons)
• 1 cup simple syrup (instructions below)
• 2 oz Midori (melon liqueur)
• 2 oz Blue Curaçao
• Ice

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon slices
• Colored sugar or edible glitter for glass rims
• Cocktail umbrellas or decorative straws

How to Make Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Store any extra in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cocktail shaker
• Measuring jigger or small liquid measuring cup
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Martini or coupe glasses
• Small plate or shallow bowl (for rimming the glass with sugar)
• Strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Glasses (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Rub the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge to moisten it. Then dip the rim into a plate of colored sugar or edible glitter. This not only adds a festive, mermaid-inspired shimmer but also provides a sweet contrast to the tart lemon base.

2. Add Ingredients to Shaker

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Midori, and Blue Curaçao.

3. Shake

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.

4. Strain and Serve

Fill your prepped cocktail glasses with fresh ice and strain the shaken cocktail over the top.

5. Garnish

Top with a lemon slice, and if you’re feeling extra festive, throw in a cocktail umbrella or sparkly straw. You could even float a mint sprig for a pop of green.

What to Serve with This Cocktail

This cocktail has enough personality to be the main event, but it also plays well with light and summery fare. Try pairing it with:

• Fresh shrimp or crab cakes
• Fruit platters featuring melon, pineapple, and citrus
• Guacamole and tortilla chips
• Mango salsa with grilled fish or chicken skewers
• Mini lemon tarts or coconut macaroons for dessert

You’re creating a full tropical experience, so keep your menu breezy and colorful.

Tips for Mermaid Lemon Drop Success

• Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can be too bitter and won’t give you that fresh, zesty pop.
• Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before pouring to keep the cocktail icy cold longer.
• If you want to dial up the color, add a little extra Blue Curaçao. Just note that it may alter the flavor slightly with more orange notes.
• This drink looks best in a coupe or martini glass, but if you’re serving it casually, stemless wine glasses or highball glasses work too.

How to Store Leftovers

If you’ve made a batch and don’t finish it, you can store the mixture (without ice or garnishes) in a tightly sealed mason jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 48 hours. Shake it well before serving again.

Avoid storing with ice, as this will dilute the drink. Add fresh ice just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, with a few substitutions. Use lemon sparkling water or lemonade instead of vodka, melon syrup or juice instead of Midori, and a splash of orange juice with a drop of blue food coloring in place of Blue Curaçao. The flavor won’t be the same, but it will be fun and festive.

Can I make this drink in advance for a party?

Absolutely. Combine all the liquid ingredients except ice and garnishes and store in the refrigerator for up to one day. When ready to serve, shake individual servings with ice and strain into glasses.

What’s the best vodka to use?

A neutral, clean vodka works best. I personally recommend Tito’s, Ketel One, or a citrus-infused vodka for a brighter finish.

Can I turn this into a frozen drink?

Yes! Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth for a slushy version. Add more syrup if needed to balance the tartness after blending.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe will make approximately four servings. You can double or triple the amounts to make a larger batch for parties.

Wrapping It All Up

The Mermaid Lemon Drop cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. From the striking oceanic colors to the tart-sweet flavor profile, every element is crafted to whisk you away to your own tropical paradise. It’s festive, easy to make, and wildly versatile, making it ideal for any occasion where you want your drinks to impress.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to see your creations. Leave a review, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me if you post it on social media. I always love seeing how you bring these recipes to life.

More Magical Cocktail Recipes to Try

If you loved the Mermaid Lemon Drop and want to keep the good vibes going, here are a few more bright and tropical cocktails you’ll adore:

• Raspberry Margarita – A fruity and colorful spin on the classic, with a gorgeous pink hue and a tangy finish.
• Coconut Vodka Martini – Smooth, creamy, and coconut-forward with a refreshing tropical flair.
• Banana Mama Cocktail – A vacation-ready rum cocktail packed with pineapple, banana, and grenadine for island vibes in every sip.

Each one is perfect for your next gathering or staycation.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Alcohol: Approximately 1.5 standard drinks

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