Lemon Drop Shot
A lemon drop shot is bright, sweet-tart, and quick to shake for a small party. This version uses fresh lemon juice, vodka, and a sugared rim for the classic candy-like finish.
Total
10 min
Servings
4 shots
Level
Easy
The lemon drop shot is the smaller, punchier cousin of the lemon drop martini. It has the same sweet-tart flavor, but it is served in shot glasses for a quick toast.
Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference here. Bottled juice can taste flat or bitter, while a freshly squeezed lemon gives the drink a clean, sharp flavor.
This recipe is easy to scale up for a gathering. Chill the glasses, shake the drink cold, and pour right before serving.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
7 items · 4 shots
- 1 lemon wedge, for rimming the glasses
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for the rims
- 3 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
- Ice, for shaking
- Optional: thin lemon slices or small lemon twists, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
Chill the shot glasses
Place 4 shot glasses in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes if you have time. Cold glasses help the shots taste crisp and keep the sugared rims neat.
Sugar the rims
Run the lemon wedge around the rim of each shot glass. Dip the damp rims into the granulated sugar, turning gently so the sugar sticks in an even ring.
Fill the shaker
Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in water, and it blends more smoothly than dry sugar in cold drinks.
Add ice
Fill the shaker about halfway with ice. Use enough ice to chill the drink quickly without over-diluting it.
Shake until cold
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold.
Strain into glasses
Strain the drink evenly into the prepared shot glasses. Try not to splash the sugared rims as you pour.
Garnish and serve
Add a tiny lemon twist or thin lemon slice if you like. Serve the shots right away while they are cold and bright.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shake with ice right before serving.
- Storage: Leftover mixed lemon drop shots can be refrigerated for 1 day, but the flavor is freshest the day they are made. Do not store with ice, or the drink will become watery.
- Simple syrup swap: If you do not have simple syrup, stir 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 tablespoon very hot water until dissolved, then cool before using.
- Sweetness adjustment: For a tarter shot, use 1 ounce simple syrup instead of 1 1/2 ounces. For a sweeter shot, add another 1/2 ounce.
- Vodka choice: Use a smooth plain vodka or citrus vodka. Avoid very harsh vodka, since this drink has only a few ingredients.
- No shaker: Use a clean jar with a tight lid. Shake well, then strain through the lid opening or a small fine-mesh strainer.
Cook's note
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water, such as 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Warm and stir until clear, then cool. Store extra syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make lemon drop shots without simple syrup?
Yes. You can use superfine sugar, but it may not dissolve fully in a cold drink. For the smoothest texture, dissolve regular sugar in a little hot water first and let it cool.
What vodka is best for lemon drop shots?
A clean, mid-range plain vodka works well. Citrus vodka is also a good choice if you want a stronger lemon flavor.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes. Multiply the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup by the number of servings you need. Keep the batch chilled, then shake portions with ice before pouring.
Do I have to sugar the rim?
No, but it is part of the classic lemon drop flavor. The sugar balances the lemon juice and makes the shot taste a little like lemon candy.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice tastes brighter and less bitter. Since this recipe is simple, fresh juice is worth using if possible.
05Keep cooking
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