I’m going back to basics in this fresh lemon and rum cocktail where simplicity is king. Balancing acidity with sweetness and spirits is the key to tastiness in this vibrant rum-tini where lemon lives on!

This page contains affiliate links which allow me to earn small commissions from qualifying purchases of fun and favorite products at no cost to you.

This bright and lemony martini is so chuggably good with pops of citrus and rum that really make it shine. Its basic skeleton makes it balanced and delicious: something sweet+something sour+spirits+ice = tasty cocktail.

For some more pop of citrusy flavor and a little something deluxe, I splashed in some Grand Marnier orange liqueur. It adds such a tasty flavor to the martini and pairs perfectly well with the lemon happening in here.

What You’ll Need To Make This Rum Martini Recipe

Since rum naturally has sweet notes to it, it meshes really well with this luxurious orange liqueur. Try to use a good quality liqueur, if available, as it will really shine alongside the other ingredients in here and make for a smooth and vibrant martini.

For a little fizz, I’ll splash in a little La Croix Limoncello, a lemon-flavored sparkling water.

You can use any sparkling water in here as it will add a great little bubbly fizz, but I highly recommend this Limoncello La Croix as it adds a sophisticated element of citrus taste that really complements the rum. It really creates a delicious and unique finish for this vibrant cocktail.

1. Splash In Some Light Rum

In a cocktail shaker, splash in some light rum, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.

2. Add Orange Liqueur to the lemon rum Martini Cocktail

Now splash in some orange liqueur. This gives the cocktail an extra tasty shot of citrus as well as some extra sweet notes to help balance out the acidity from the lemon.

3. Combine + Shake Fresh Lemon Rum Cocktail

Fill your shaker up with ice about halfway and put the cover on. Shake everything up really well until the ice inside is crushed up a bit and everything is ice cold.

4. Pour and Serve

Strain everything into a chilled martini glass. Top off with a splash of sparkling La Croix Limoncello water and garnish with a lemon slice. Serve immediately and drink nice and chilled. If you’re in need of an awesome set of martini glasses, I always recommend these! They’re perfect for everyday entertaining with cocktails like this one!

What is Orange Liqueur?

It is usually a neutral grain alcohol flavored with orange or orange peel. The Grand Marnier orange liqueur used in this cocktail is made in France and its base spirit is a combination of alcohol blended with Cognac. It goes through an oak aging process that gives it a most luxurious, delicious, and unique character. Orange liqueur is perfect for cocktails, pastries, or desserts.

Substitutions/Suggestions:

• Orange Liqueur: If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can use other kinds such as Cointreau, Curaçao, Combier or Triple Sec. These are all orange-flavored liqueurs that are easily available and will also add a delicious orange-flavored element to your cocktail. Here is a guide to some well-known brands.
• Add A Fizzy Finish: Top off this delicious rum-tini with sparkling water or even a dry brut champagne. Prosecco would also make a lovely fizzy topper for this vibrant citrus martini.
• Fresh zippy citrus cocktails are usually a great complement to food. Serve this martini with light dinners or appetizers! Serve with hors d’oeuvres, pasta, poultry, or seafood dishes!

Tipsy Tips:

• For precision pours, use a jigger to help you measure the liquids in your cocktails. This is particularly useful if you are entertaining and making drinks for 4 or 5 people. The drinks will be even and consistent in flavor for everyone, every time.
• You can use packaged lemon juice from the grocery store, but if you have fresh lemons on hand, fresh-squeezed is always better. The 3/4 ounce used in this recipe should take up the juice of about half a large lemon.
• Try to use a good quality orange liqueur. Aside from having it on hand to use in recipes, sauces, or desserts, it brings flavor, body, and richness to cocktails.

This fresh lemon and rum martini cocktail is a perfect sipper for any occasion or season. Make this cocktail any time you have fresh lemons on hand! Lemons are the star of the show here! It’s a nice change from the usual vodka-based martini and it has a smooth, clean taste…

If you enjoy easy rum drinks, try this fresh blueberry smash rum cocktail with lime zest or these easy fresh strawberry lime rum shots!

You Might Also Like…