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Lemon Drop Shot

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Shake up your party with a zesty Lemon Drop Shot! This tangy treat blends sweet and sour for a lip-smacking good time. Ready to wow your guests? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe today!
For a foolproof experience, follow our detailed guide below. You'll find step-by-step photos and directions that make mixing simple. Plus, don't miss our Pro Tips and Tricks for the perfect shot. We've also answered the most frequently asked recipe questions to help you master this delightful drink!

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Whip up Lemon Drop Shots with lemon vodka in just 5 minutes and kick your party into high gear! This zingy shooter is perfect for any celebration, making it a must-have for your next gathering. Its irresistible sweet and sour combo sets it apart from the rest.
Try making it at home and watch your guests light up with every sip!
Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Lemon Drop Shot:
- 1½ ounces of lemon-flavored vodka, chilled
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
Pro Tip
I recommend storing your lemon-flavored vodka in the freezer all the time. It will not freeze, but it will stay really cold, so you will not have to use as much ice when making your shots and cocktails.
For The Sugared Rim:
- 3 small slices of fresh lemon (approximately 1-inch triangles), divided into 1 and 2 slices
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
Pro Tip
If I know that I will be making these shots for a party or gathering, then I will juice a few lemons and store the freshly squeezed lemon juice in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.
Substitutions and Additions
Mix it up and create a unique twist on this classic party favorite. Here’s how you can make the Lemon Drop Shot your own:
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice: For a tangy twist, use lime instead of lemon.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur: Give it a fruity kick with a bit of orange flavor.
- Replace sugar: For a smoother sweetness, honey or agave nectar work great.
- Sprinkle in flavored sugar: Rim your glass with raspberry or vanilla sugar for extra flair.
- Drop in a cherry: Add a cherry to each shot for a fun and festive touch.
How to Make
Learn how to make a Lemon Drop Shot with easy-to-follow pictures and step-by-step instructions! Check out our handy tips and tricks below. Let’s get started and mix up some fun!
Pro Tip
I recommend storing your lemon-flavored vodka in the freezer all the time. It will not freeze, but it will stay really cold, so you will not have to use as much ice when making your shots and cocktails.
FIRST STEP: To make these easy shots with vodka, start by rimimg the two 1.5-ounce shot glasses with the sugar. Use one of the small lemon slices to run along the top of each shot glass rim first to make it wet.
Place the granulated sugar in a small shallow dish, then dip the lemon juice-rimmed shot glass into the granulated sugar.
Add a garnish of a fresh lemon slice from the remaining two lemons to the rim of each sugar-rimmed shot glass. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: To a cocktail shaker with ice (approximately one cup), add the chilled lemon-flavored vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Shake for 15-20 seconds or until very cold.

THIRD STEP: Pour the lemon drop shots into the sugar-rimmed shot glasses, being careful not to get any liquid on the sugar rim. Enjoy!

How to Serve
Serve up these Lemon Drops at your next adult gathering and watch the fun unfold! This shot is perfect for special occasions and suits any season with its bright, citrusy flavor.
Remember, this is an adults-only treat, so keep it just for the grown-ups!
- New Year's Eve Bash - Celebrate with a bang and serve Lemon Drop Shots to ring in the new year. Their zesty flavor pairs perfectly with mini appetizers like bacon wrapped smokies.
- Summer Pool Party - Cool off and add a splash to your summer parties with these refreshing shots. They go great with light fare such as lemon shrimp or cream cheese dip.
- Cocktail Night - Mix things up on cocktail night by offering Lemon Drop Shots alongside other classic cocktails. They complement savory snacks like homemade Chex Mix perfectly.
Each way of serving these shots brings out their fun and festive character, making your event unforgettable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lemon Drop Shot is more than just a drink—it's a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- A Zesty Burst of Flavor: This recipe perfectly captures the vibrant zest of lemon balanced with a hint of sweetness. The simple combination of lemon juice and sugar creates a refreshing taste that's always a hit at parties.
- Perfect Party Starter: The Lemon Drop Shot is a go-to for kicking off any festive occasion. Its bright, inviting color and tangy taste set the mood for a night of fun and laughter.
- Easy and Elegant: Not only is this shot easy to whip up with minimal ingredients, but it also adds an elegant touch to your gathering.
Lemon Drop Shots aren't just delicious—they're a vibrant and lively addition to any celebration, sure to please and excite your guests!

RECIPE FAQ
What ingredients do I need for a Lemon Drop Shot?
You need vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sugar for the rim. These ingredients blend to create a perfect tangy shot!
How do I make a Lemon Drop Shot?
First, rim your shot glass with sugar. Mix vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into the glass.
Can I make a Lemon Drop Shot without alcohol?
Absolutely! Replace the vodka with lemon-flavored sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version that's just as refreshing.
What's the best occasion to serve Lemon Drop Shots?
Lemon Drop Shots are great for parties, especially summer gatherings, or as a fun kickoff at dinner parties.

SERVING FAQ
How do I serve Lemon Drop cocktails at a party?
Serve chilled Lemon Drop Shots in sugar-rimmed glasses to kickstart your party with a burst of citrusy fun!
What decorations fit best with Lemon Drop drinks?
Garnish each shot with a small lemon twist or wedge to enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh zest.
Can Lemon Drop Shots be part of a cocktail menu?
Yes! Include vodka Lemon Drop Shots on your cocktail menu with other citrus-based drinks for a vibrant and refreshing selection.

Storage FAQ
Can I prepare Lemon Drop Shots ahead of time?
Yes, mix the lemon juice and simple syrup in advance. Store this mixture in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
What's the best way to store leftover Lemon Drop Shots?
If you have leftover shots, pour them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 24 hours.
Can I cool Lemon Drop Shots if they were warmed up? Lemon Drop Shots taste best chilled. If they warm up, simply stir and serve over ice to refresh!
Is it possible to freeze Lemon Drop Shots? It's not recommended to freeze Lemon Drop Shots as it can affect the flavor and texture of the drink.

Cocktail Drink Recipes

Lemon Drop Shot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces lemon flavored vodka (chilled)
- 1 ounce fresh squeezes lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
Sugared Rim
- 3 small slices fresh lemon (approximately 1-inch triangles (divided into 1 and 2 slices))
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
DIRECTIONS
- To rim the two 1.5-ounce shot glasses with the sugar, you will use one of the small lemon slices to run along the top rim of each shot glass. Place 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small shallow dish, then dip the lemon juice-rimmed shot glass into the granulated sugar. Add 3 small slices fresh lemon from the remaining two lemons to the rim of each sugar-rimmed shot glass. Set aside.

- To a cocktail shaker with ice (approximately 1 cup), add the chilled 1 ½ ounces lemon flavored vodka, 1 ounce fresh squeezes lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup and shake for 15-20 seconds or until very cold.

- Pour the lemon drop shots into the sugar-rimmed shot glasses, being careful not to get any liquid on the sugar rim. Enjoy!

Notes
- If I know that I will be making these shots for a party or gathering, then I will juice a few lemons and store the freshly squeezed lemon juice in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.
- I recommend storing your lemon-flavored vodka in the freezer all the time. It will not freeze, but it will stay really cold, so you will not have to use as much ice when making your shots and cocktails.
- You can easily double or triple this lemon shots recipe if you are entertaining a crowd.







Comments
Arlea says
Super easy to make and SO good too!