lemon drop shot recipe

Lemon Drop Shot Recipe: Zesty, Sweet, and Irresistibly Fun! 🍋🍸🎉

1. Introduction

Are you ready to add a burst of sunshine to your next gathering? The lemon drop shot recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create a vibrant and flavorful drink. This delightful concoction perfectly balances the tartness of fresh lemons with a touch of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to enjoy a refreshing treat, mastering the lemon drop shot recipe is a must. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Before you know it, you’ll be searching for more easy recipes on our main page.

Finished lemon drop shots garnished with lemon wedges on a bar.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and effective lemon drop shot recipe that you can easily recreate at home. We’ll cover everything from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, ensuring your shots turn out perfect every time. Plus, we’ll share some tips and tricks to elevate your lemon drop cocktail recipe and impress your friends. Perhaps you might even want to try some of our recipes for breakfast or lunch to pair with these delightful shots! Get ready to shake up some fun with this classic lemon drop drink recipe!

2. What is a Lemon Drop Shot?

A lemon drop shot is a miniature, potent version of the popular Lemon Drop Martini. Known for its sweet and sour profile, this shot combines vodka (ideally citrus-flavored), lemon juice (always fresh!), and simple syrup to create a zesty and refreshing beverage. The rim of the shot glass is typically coated with sugar, which complements the tartness of the lemon and enhances the overall drinking experience. The lemon drop shot recipe is a favorite for its vibrant flavor, its ability to kickstart any party, and of course, its ease of preparation.

3. Ingredients Needed

Before you start crafting your easy lemon drop shot, make sure you have the following ingredients. Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process even smoother:

  • 1 ½ ounces of vodka (citrus-flavored vodka works best for an extra zing!)
  • ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed is absolutely key!)
  • ¾ ounce of simple syrup (you can even make your own!)
  • Granulated sugar for rimming the shot glasses (adds that perfect sweet touch)
  • Lemon wedges for garnish (optional, but highly recommended for presentation)

4. Equipment Required

To make the perfect lemon drop shot recipe, you’ll need these basic bar tools. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; you can improvise. Find out more about us.

  • Shot glasses (the smaller, the cuter!)
  • Cocktail shaker (a mason jar with a lid works in a pinch)
  • Jigger or measuring spoons (precision is key for consistent results)
  • Small plate for sugar (for rimming the glasses)
  • Ice (lots of it!)

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shot Glasses

First, rim your shot glasses with sugar. This step is crucial for balancing the tartness of the lemon. Pour some granulated sugar onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of each shot glass with a lemon wedge, then gently press the rim into the sugar, coating it evenly. This sugary rim is a crucial part of the lemon drop cocktail recipe, adding a sweet contrast to the tart shot. Make sure the rim is evenly sugared for the best experience! A great alternative for rims are these: Sugar Rims.

Preparing lemon drop shot with fresh lemon juice.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The key to a great lemon drop drink recipe is using fresh ingredients, especially lemon juice, for the most authentic and vibrant flavor. Don’t be tempted to use bottled juice; the difference is truly noticeable.

Adding ice to lemon drop shot mixture in a shaker.

Step 3: Shake Well

Add ice to the shaker until it’s about half full. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the mixture and properly combines the ingredients for your easy lemon drop shot. The shaking is important not only for chilling but also for diluting the mixture slightly, making it smoother.

Shaking lemon drop shot ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the lemon drop shot mixture into the prepared shot glasses. Be sure to remove all the ice to ensure a smooth shot. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavor from your homemade lemon drop shot recipe! These are best enjoyed immediately, while they are still chilled. Make sure to check our Terms of Service before drinking.

Pouring strained lemon drop shot into a sugar-rimmed glass.

6. Tips for the Perfect Lemon Drop Shot

  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference in taste compared to bottled juice. It’s brighter, more vibrant, and less bitter.
  • Chill Your Vodka: Keep your vodka in the freezer for an extra refreshing shot. Cold vodka mixes better and makes the shot even more enjoyable.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your preference. If you like it tarter, use less syrup. Taste as you go and find the perfect balance for your palate.
  • Citrus Vodka: Using citrus-flavored vodka can enhance the lemon flavor even more. It adds another layer of citrus complexity to the shot.
  • Shake Well: Don’t skimp on the shaking! A properly shaken shot is colder and better mixed. Shaking also helps to slightly dilute the drink, making it smoother.

7. Variations

Want to spice things up a bit? Here are a few fun variations on the classic lemon drop shot recipe:

  • Raspberry Lemon Drop: Add a splash of raspberry liqueur for a fruity twist. The raspberry complements the lemon beautifully.
  • Lemon Drop Martini: Simply increase the quantities and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for an elegant presentation.
  • Sparkling Lemon Drop: Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling wine for a bubbly version. This adds a bit of effervescence and lightens the drink.

8. Nutritional Information

A single lemon drop shot typically contains around 100-150 calories, depending on the sweetness and vodka content. Remember to enjoy responsibly and in moderation. While you’re at it, check out our recipes for dinner, so you can have something to eat while drinking!

9. Conclusion

The lemon drop shot recipe is a delightful and easy way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself. With its perfect balance of sweet and sour, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Follow our easy lemon drop shot guide, and you’ll be crafting delicious shots in no time. If you’re hosting a bigger party, consider making a batch of Lemon Drop Martinis for a more sophisticated offering. So gather your ingredients, prepare your shot glasses, and get ready to enjoy the zesty goodness of a homemade lemon drop drink recipe!

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Finished lemon drop shots garnished with lemon wedges on a bar.

lemon drop shot recipe


  • Author: Amanda
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 shots 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A zesty and sweet Lemon Drop Shot recipe that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for parties and celebrations, this delightful shot combines vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a burst of sunshine in every sip.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ ounces of vodka (citrus-flavored vodka works best)
  • ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice
  • ¾ ounce of simple syrup
  • Granulated sugar for rimming the shot glasses
  • Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. First, rim your shot glasses with sugar. Pour some granulated sugar onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of each shot glass with a lemon wedge, then gently press the rim into the sugar, coating it evenly.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Add ice to the shaker until it’s about half full. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  4. Strain the lemon drop shot mixture into the prepared shot glasses. Be sure to remove all the ice to ensure a smooth shot. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference in taste compared to bottled juice.
  • Chill Your Vodka: Keep your vodka in the freezer for an extra refreshing shot.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your preference. If you like it tarter, use less syrup.
  • Citrus Vodka: Using citrus-flavored vodka can enhance the lemon flavor even more.
  • Shake Well: Don’t skimp on the shaking! A properly shaken shot is colder and better mixed.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shot
  • Calories: 120 Kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon drop shot, lemon drop shot recipe, easy lemon drop shot, lemon drop cocktail recipe, lemon drop drink recipe, vodka shot, lemon shot, party shot, cocktail recipe, citrus shot

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