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    Home » Drink Recipes

    Lemon Drop Shots

    Lindsay Moe

    47 shares

    Lemon drop shots are a simple cocktail shooter you can enjoy at home with just three simple ingredients. Serve this tart yet sweet drink any time you want to get the party started!

    image of two lemon drop shots with lemon slices on glasses
    Jump to Recipe

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

    So many of you have been loving cocktails lately (trust me, I get it), so I wanted to share one of the easiest shooters out there!

    What is a lemon drop shot?

    The lemon drop shot is a variation on the full sized lemon drop cocktail which is often served in a martini glass. While the cocktail is a combination of lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup, the shot itself is a little more straightforward.

    It’s a shot of vodka paired with a sugar coated lemon. Let’s look at how easy it is!

    Lemon drop shot Ingredients

    image of ingredients for lemon drop shots vodka, lemon and sugar
    • Vodka (affiliate link)
    • Lemon wedges
    • Sugar

    How to make lemon drop shots

    1. Chill vodka (I just keep it in the freezer), and pour into a shot glass.
    2. Cut a lemon into wedges. Rub wedges in a small bowl of sugar until coated.
    3. Drink the shot of vodka, then immediately bite into the sugar coated lemon.

    Top tips and questions

    What kind of vodka should I use for lemon drop shots?

    When using few ingredients, it’s important to choose high quality for the best flavor. I like New Amsterdam vodka as a balance between price and quality, but Titos, Absolut, Grey Goose, and Ketel One are just a few other high quality brands.

    Do I need to chill vodka for shots?

    I keep my vodka in the freezer at all times so it’s chilled for drinking. However, you could keep it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If you only have room temperature vodka, shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker (affiliate link) before enjoying.

    top view image of two shot glasses with vodka and lemon wedges. Plate of lemons and sugar.

    How to cut a lemon into wedges

    I followed this method of cutting lemons into wedges, but cut the wedges smaller to pair better with the size of the shot.

    Tips for customizing lemon drop shots

    • Make raspberry lemon drop shots by shaking 2 parts vodka with 1 part lemon juice, 1 part raspberry puree, and ice, then straining into a shot glass
    • Before serving, run a lemon wedge around the edge of the shot glass, then dip it into sugar to create a sugar rim
    • Boost the lemon flavor by adding 1 part limoncello to 2 parts vodka
    • If you’d like to use simple syrup (or honey simple syrup), add 1 part simple syrup, 2 parts lemon juice, and 4 parts vodka to a shaker with ice, then strain into shot glasses
    • Use lemon or citron vodka for even more citrus flavor

    More cocktail recipes

    • Buttery Nipple
    • Sparkling Greyhound Cocktail
    • Blackberry Gin Smash
    • Vegas Bomb
    • Gin and Tonic
    • Mojito Pitcher
    • Pineapple Margarita
    • Spiced Vodka Orange Juice
    • Apple Cider Cocktail
    • Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
    • Gold Rush
    top view image of lemon drop shot with lemon on glass and plate of lemons and sugar in background and another shot glass with vodka and lemon

    If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!

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    Recipe

    featured image of lemon drop shots

    Lemon Drop Shot

    This lemon drop shot is the easiest shooter to enjoy at home! Made with just vodka, lemons, and sugar, it’s a sweet, tart, and refreshing cocktail you’ll make over and over again!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 150kcal
    Author: Lindsay Moe

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ ounces vodka, chilled
    • 1 lemon wedge
    • 1 tablespoon sugar

    Instructions

    • Pour the vodka into a shot glass.
    • Coat the lemon wedge in sugar.
    • Drink the shot, then immediately bite into the sugar coated lemon.

    Notes

     

    Tips for customizing lemon drop shots

    • Make raspberry lemon drop shots by shaking 2 parts vodka with 1 part lemon juice, 1 part raspberry puree, and ice, then straining into a shot glass
    • Before serving, run a lemon wedge around the edge of the shot glass, then dip it into sugar to create a sugar rim
    • Boost the lemon flavor by adding 1 part limoncello to 2 parts vodka
    • If you’d like to use simple syrup (or honey simple syrup), add 1 part simple syrup, 2 parts lemon juice, and 4 parts vodka to a shaker with ice, then strain into shot glasses
    • Use lemon or citron vodka for even more citrus flavor

    Nutrition

    Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theliveinkitchen or tag #theliveinkitchen!

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    lindsay moe in a kitchen with glasses on shelves behind her

    Hi, I'm Lindsay! I've been creating easily customizable vegetarian recipes since 2011. I love the outdoors, brownies, and brand new books. I live and work in La Crosse, Wisconsin and founded Wild Flour Media to expand on my love for food photography and videography to my community and beyond.

    More about me →

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    47 shares