This Applebees blue raspberry lemon drop recipe makes a bright blue martini with a sweet berry taste and a tart lemon finish. The drink is a homemade, restaurant inspired copycat.
Applebee’s has not confirmed its official formula, so this version is based on widely shared copycat recipes. Below you will find the ingredients, exact measurements, simple steps, flavor fixes, variations, and tips for making a batch ahead. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to make one drink.
What Is Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop?
It is a twist on the classic lemon drop martini. The classic drink uses vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and sugar. This version adds blue raspberry flavor and a bright blue color.
Flavor Profile
The drink tastes like this:
- Sweet blue raspberry notes
- Tart, fresh lemon flavor
- Light orange and citrus notes from the liqueur
- A smooth vodka base
What Gives the Cocktail Its Blue Color?
Two ingredients can make the drink blue. Blue raspberry syrup adds candy like berry sweetness and color. Blue curaçao is an orange flavored liqueur that adds citrus taste and blue color. They do not taste the same. Because copycat recipes vary, the exact restaurant recipe is not known.
Recipe at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Yield | 1 cocktail |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Glass | Martini or coupe glass |
| Style | Shaken, chilled, and strained |
| Flavor | Sweet, fruity, and tart |
The final strength and sweetness depend on the brands and pour sizes you use. Start with smaller amounts, taste the drink, and adjust the flavors to match your preference.
Ingredients for the Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop
Measuring each ingredient keeps the sweet and tart balance steady from one drink to the next. A small jigger helps.
Cocktail Ingredients
| Ingredient | US Measure | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus vodka | 1½ oz | 45 ml |
| Triple sec or Cointreau | ½ oz | 15 ml |
| Blue raspberry syrup | ½ oz | 15 ml |
| Fresh lemon juice | ½ oz | 15 ml |
| Lemon syrup or lemon sour mix | ½ oz | 15 ml |
| Lemonade, optional | 1 to 2 oz | 30 to 60 ml |
| Ice cubes | 1 cup |
Sugar Rim and Garnish
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 lemon wedge
- Lemon wheel or twist
- Fresh raspberry or blueberry, optional
Best Substitutions
These swaps work, but each one changes the drink a little:
- Plain vodka for citrus vodka: The drink tastes less lemony.
- Blue curaçao for blue raspberry syrup: You get more orange flavor and less candy sweetness.
- Lemonade for part of the lemon juice and lemon syrup: The drink gets lighter and slightly sweeter.
- Triple sec for Cointreau: Triple sec is usually sweeter and a little less strong in flavor.
How to Make Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop
Chill the glass first, add the sugar rim, then shake and strain the drink. The whole process is quick, so have everything measured before you start.
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are short on time, fill it with ice and water, then empty it just before pouring.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Rim
Spread the sugar on a small flat plate. Rub the lemon wedge along the outer edge of the glass rim only. Press the rim into the sugar and turn it gently until it has a thin, even coat. Set the glass aside.
Step 3: Measure and Combine
Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Add the citrus vodka, triple sec, blue raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and lemon syrup. Add 1 to 2 ounces of lemonade if you want a lighter, sweeter, less strong drink.
Step 4: Shake With Ice
Close the shaker tightly. Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and looks frosty.
Step 5: Strain and Garnish
Strain the drink into your prepared glass. A fine mesh strainer keeps out ice chips and lemon pulp. Rest a lemon wheel on the rim or add a twist. A fresh raspberry or blueberry also looks nice.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve right away. A cold drink tastes crisp and balanced. As it warms, the sweetness becomes more noticeable.
Tips for the Best Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini
Follow these simple tips to make your Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini taste fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy. Small details, like using fresh lemon juice and shaking the drink well, can make a big difference.
Balance Sweetness and Lemon
Change the syrup and lemon juice in small steps of about ¼ ounce. If the drink is too sweet, add a little lemon juice. If it is too tart, add a little syrup or lemonade.
Choose the Right Blue Raspberry Syrup
Syrups differ in sweetness and flavor strength. Cocktail syrups from brands like Monin or Torani are easy to find in US stores. Start with the measured amount, taste, then adjust.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh juice tastes brighter. Bottled juice can taste flat or sharp, and it varies by brand.
Measure Everything
Guessing can lead to a drink that is too strong, watery, or sweet. A jigger makes each drink consistent.
Keep the Sugar Rim Thin
A thick coating hides the lemon flavor. Use a light layer and avoid touching the rim after you coat it.
Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Variations
Each variation below changes the base recipe in a small way. These are suggested adjustments and may need a taste check.
With Blue Curaçao
Shake 1½ oz citrus vodka, ¾ oz blue curaçao, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz lemon syrup or sour mix with ice. Strain into a sugar rimmed glass. Skip the triple sec because blue curaçao already adds orange flavor. The drink will taste more like orange than berry.
With Plain Vodka
Use 1½ oz plain vodka in place of citrus vodka. Add an extra ¼ oz of fresh lemon juice or twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to bring back the citrus aroma.
Frozen Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop
Add 1½ oz citrus vodka, ½ oz triple sec, ½ oz blue raspberry syrup, ½ oz lemon juice, 3 oz lemonade, and 1 cup ice to a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds, until slushy. Pour into a glass. If it is too thick, add a splash of lemonade.
On the Rocks
Shake the base recipe with ice and strain it over fresh ice in a rocks glass. The drink stays cold longer but becomes more diluted as the ice melts.
Shots
For one shot, shake ¾ oz citrus vodka, ¼ oz triple sec, ¼ oz blue raspberry syrup, ¼ oz lemon juice, and ¼ oz lemon syrup with ice. Strain into a shot glass. Shots go down fast, so serve them responsibly.
How to Make a Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop for a Party
Pitcher Recipe for Eight Servings
- 12 oz citrus vodka
- 4 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 4 oz blue raspberry syrup
- 4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 4 oz lemon syrup or lemon sour mix
- 8 oz lemonade, optional
- Ice for each serving
- Sugar and lemon wedges for the rims
Pitcher Instructions
Stir all the liquid ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate. Do not add ice to the pitcher because it will water down the drink.
When serving, stir the pitcher, pour about 4½ oz into a shaker with ice (3½ oz if you skipped the lemonade), shake for 15 to 20 seconds, and strain into a rimmed glass.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes. Keep the mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fresh lemon flavor fades over time, so the drink tastes best the same day. Check that the lemon juice and lemonade are fresh, and stir before you pour. Prepare the sugar rims close to serving time so they stay crisp.
Nonalcoholic Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Mocktail
Mocktail Ingredients
- 1 oz blue raspberry syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz lemonade
- 2 oz lemon lime soda or sparkling water
- Ice
- Sugar rim and lemon garnish, optional
How to Prepare the Mocktail
Shake the syrup, lemon juice, and lemonade with ice. Strain into a glass and top with soda or sparkling water. Leave out the vodka and liqueur completely, including blue curaçao, because it contains alcohol.
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How to Fix Common Problems
| Problem | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Too sweet | Use less blue raspberry syrup and add a little lemon juice. |
| Too sour | Add a small amount of syrup or lemonade. |
| Not blue enough | Add a little more blue raspberry syrup, a small amount at a time. |
| Too strong | Use a smaller vodka pour or add lemonade. |
| Cloudy | Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Some cloudiness from fresh lemon is normal. |
| Sugar rim falls off | Use a thin layer of lemon juice and do not touch the rim after coating. |
| Flat flavor | Use fresh lemon juice and serve very cold. |
Alcohol Content, Calories, and Responsible Serving
The alcohol content and calories in a Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini depend on the brands and amounts of each ingredient you use. Enjoy it in moderation, and always drink responsibly.
How Strong Is It?
Strength depends on the vodka, the liqueur, the pour sizes, and how much the ice dilutes the drink. In the US, one standard drink contains about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.
The vodka alone is close to that amount if it is 80 proof, and the triple sec adds more. So this cocktail is likely more than one standard drink. Check the labels of your own bottles to know for sure.
How Many Calories Does It Have?
Calories come from the alcohol, the syrups, the sugar rim, and any lemonade. A rough estimate for the base recipe without lemonade is about 230 to 270 calories.
This is an estimate based on typical products and is not an official Applebee’s nutrition figure. Optional lemonade adds more.
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Who Should Avoid Alcohol?
Skip the alcoholic version if you are under 21 in the US, pregnant, avoiding alcohol for medical reasons, or taking medication that interacts with alcohol. The mocktail is a good choice for these cases. Please do not drive after drinking.
Best Food Pairings
The sweet and tart flavor works well with salty, savory, and spicy foods. Good matches include:
- Chicken wings or chicken tenders
- Mozzarella sticks
- Quesadillas and loaded nachos
- Burgers and sliders
- Grilled chicken
- Spicy appetizers
- Fresh fruit or light desserts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make Applebee’s blue raspberry lemon drop at home?
Rim a chilled glass with sugar. Shake citrus vodka, triple sec, blue raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and lemon syrup with ice for 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into the glass and garnish with lemon. Follow the full steps above for exact amounts.
What is in Applebee’s blue raspberry lemon drop?
The official recipe is not confirmed. This copycat uses citrus vodka, triple sec, blue raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and lemon syrup or sour mix. Other copycat recipes use raspberry vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Can I use raspberry vodka instead of citrus vodka?
Yes. It gives a stronger berry taste and less lemon aroma. If the color looks pale, add a little more blue raspberry syrup. Taste the drink and add lemon juice if it becomes too sweet.
Is blue curaçao the same as blue raspberry syrup?
No. Blue curaçao is an orange flavored liqueur with alcohol. Blue raspberry syrup is a sweet, nonalcoholic berry syrup. Both can color the drink, but the flavor is different.
Can I use blue raspberry lemonade instead of syrup?
Yes, you can replace some of the syrup and lemon mixer with it. Start with 1 to 2 oz, then taste. The drink will be lighter and less sweet, so you may need to adjust the lemon juice.
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Yes. Use the mocktail recipe above. Leave out the vodka and triple sec, and use blue raspberry syrup, lemon juice, lemonade, and soda or sparkling water.
Can I prepare it in advance?
You can mix the liquids and refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Keep the ice separate. Shake each serving with ice just before serving, and make the sugar rims close to serving time.
What glass is best?
A martini glass looks classic and shows off the color. A coupe is less likely to spill and holds the sugar rim well. A rocks glass works for the on the rocks version.
Can I make a frozen version?
Yes. Blend the vodka, triple sec, syrup, lemon juice, lemonade, and ice until slushy. See the frozen variation above for the full measurements.
How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the blue raspberry syrup and lemon syrup. Add a little more lemon juice if needed. You can also skip the sugar rim.
Conclusion
The Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini is a fun and refreshing cocktail with a sweet berry flavor and a fresh lemon twist. It is easy to prepare in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for parties, weekend gatherings, or a relaxing evening at home.
You can adjust the sweetness and lemon juice to match your taste, and the sugar rim adds a nice finishing touch.
For the best results, use fresh lemon juice, chill your glass, and shake the ingredients well with ice before serving.
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