This lemon drop shot is a delicious and refreshing cocktail with just the right balance of sweetness, tartness, and smoothness. Similar to our lemon drop martini, this drink is made with a simple combination of lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
Every time I have a lemon drop shot, I wonder why I don’t make them more often! They are so good and easy to make! Serve them at your next party, birthday party, or event, or just for a fun happy hour.Â
Serve them with a delicious lemon treat like my lemon bars or shortbread lemon cookies.
If you’re looking for more easy party shot recipes, try my Gummy Bear shots, Jolly Rancher shots, or birthday cake shots!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Drop Shot Recipe
1. It’s super easy to make, with just three simple ingredients.
2. Its light and the refreshing lemon flavor is perfect for summer sipping.
3. It has just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
4. This recipe makes 4 perfect shots at one time.
Lemon Drop Shots Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice – Use only fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Vodka – Pick a good quality vodka when making shots.
Simple Syrup – This is made by simmering equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan. Follow our simple syrup guide for making fun flavors.
Ice – Used in the cocktail shaker to dilute and mix the ingredients.
Sugar – The shot glasses are rimmed in sugar, giving the shot a sweet and delicious flavor. It compliments the lemon and we highly recommend adding some lemon zest to the sugar too!
Recipe Variations
Add muddled lemon slices or zest to the shaker for added lemon flavor.
Use a flavored vodka or citrus vodka for a more complex lemon drop shot.
Try adding some muddled blueberries or strawberries for a fun and fruity twist.
The recipe uses a flavored simple syrup like rosemary, lavender, or honey.
Keep it easy and skip the simple syrup, just add real sugar to the cocktail shaker and shake it up.
How to Rim a Shot Glass
Give the glasses a sugar rim to create a sweet and flavorful lemon drop shot that’s sure to impress.
To rim the shot glasses, pour about 1/4 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest into a shallow bowl or small plate.
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of each shot glass then dip it into the lemon and sugar mixture.Â
Garnish Ideas
Mint Sprigs – For a refreshing scent.
Lemon Wedges – Add a lemon slice to rim the shot glass or add them as a garnish.
Fruit – Add some fresh blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
Lemon Zest – Sprinkle lemon zest on top for added lemon flavor.
More Delicious Shot Recipes
If you’re looking for more shot recipes, we have you covered! Check out any of these fun shots below:
Also, check out all of our delicious lemon recipes too!
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Lemon Drop Shot Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
- 5 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar, for rimming the shot glass
- 2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Rim the shot glasses with sugar and lemon zest. Simply rub the lemon around the edge and dip the glass into the sugar.
- Squeeze the lemon juice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
- Shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain into the shot glasses.
- Serve with a lemon slice and fresh mint sprigs.
Notes
Tips for Making Lemon Drop Shots
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Shake the lemon drop shot vigorously to ensure a smooth finish. Keep the lemon zest handy, as the added lemon flavor makes all the difference. Serve it with a fresh mint sprig as a garnish. Serve this recipe in an ice shot to keep it extra chill. For a twist in flavor, consider swapping the vodka with gin in your lemon drop shot. Shake the lemon drop shot vigorously to ensure a smooth finish. Make this a mocktail by using a zero-proof spirit to replace the vodka. This recipe can be doubled to make eight shots. You can also make it ahead by measuring the ingredients and storing them in a shaker. Then, when you’re ready to serve, fill it with ice and shake it up.ÂNutrition
