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!
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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
- Vodka (affiliate link)
- Lemon wedges
- Sugar
How to make lemon drop shots
- Chill vodka (I just keep it in the freezer), and pour into a shot glass.
- Cut a lemon into wedges. Rub wedges in a small bowl of sugar until coated.
- 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.
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
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Lemon Drop Shot
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
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