Optical measuring apparatus for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops includes a liquid handling system with at least one liquid handling tip. The apparatus has a light source for irradiating the drop, a detector for measuring sample light, an optics system with first optical elements for transmitting irradiation light, and a processor for processing measurement signals. The drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the tip in a position where the drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the tip. The tip is attached to a robot arm which adjusts the position of the liquid drop with respect to at least one optical element of the optics system.