January 10, 2024
Review RecipeLemon Drop Shot
Our lemon drop shot is a tangy drink featuring lemon-flavored vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sugared rim, creating an easy-to-enjoy drink perfect for any occasion.
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Get ready to experience the vibrant citrus burst of our lemon drop shot. This quick and easy shot is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a blend of lemony goodness and a touch of sweetness.
Lemon Drop Shot Ingredients
The lemon-flavored vodka provides the zesty lemon flavor, while freshly squeezed lemon juice for a burst of citrusy tang.
With a simple syrup to balance the tartness and a sugared rim for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast, they create a refreshing drink.
You’ll need:
For The Lemon Drop Shot:
- 1½ ounces of lemon-flavored vodka, chilled
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
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.
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:
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.
Substitutions and Additions
LEMON VODKA: For a twist, try different flavored vodkas, like citrus vodka or lemon-infused varieties, to experiment with the lemony goodness.
VODKA: You can certainly use plain vodka for this shot; it just won’t have quite the lemon flavor but will still be delicious.
Be sure to use good quality brands when choosing the vodka for this drink.
CITRUS VARIATIONS: Swap out lemon juice for lime or orange juice for unique citrus-flavored shots.
FRUIT GARNISH: Explore garnish options like orange slices or berries to add a fruity twist to this easy shot.
SIMPLE SYRUP: Simple syrup can be found in any liquor store and keeps really well in your pantry or liquor cabinet. It is great to have on hand for these shots and many other cocktails.
You can make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts water and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Store the homemade simple syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
How To Make This Lemon Drop Shot Recipe
To create the perfect lemon drop shot, follow these simple steps:
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can easily double or triple this lemon shots recipe if you are entertaining a crowd.
STEP ONE: 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 of each shot glass rim.
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.
STEP TWO: 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.
STEP THREE: 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 your vodka lemon drop shot as a refreshing aperitif before a meal to awaken your taste buds.
Pair it with appetizers such as our cucumber bites, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, or stuffed mushrooms.
Offer lemon drop shots as a dessert pairing option, serving them alongside lemon-themed desserts like lemon bars or lemon cobbler for a lovely end to the meal.
Our cinnamon toast crunch shot and cinnamon roll fireball shot are two more shot recipes that will be a guaranteed hit at your next party.
MORE SHOT RECIPES
Storage
We have a few tips for planning ahead for these shots.
MAKE AHEAD: You can chill the lemon-flavored vodka and freshly squeezed lemon juice in advance, storing them separately in the fridge until needed.
IN THE FRIDGE: Once made, the lemon drop shots can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
IN THE FREEZER: This shot recipe is meant to be made fresh and will not keep in the freezer.
Why We Love This Recipe
REFRESHING CITRUS BURST: The lemon drop shot offers a zesty and invigorating flavor that instantly brightens your mood.
EASY AND QUICK: With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a cocktail anyone can make in just a few minutes.
VERSATILE: This shot is perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal events.
Our classic lemon drop shot recipe is a tasty combination of zesty lemon and smooth vodka that’s perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing taste, versatility, and ease of preparation make it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to enjoy time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular vodka instead of lemon-flavored vodka?
You can use regular vodka, but your lemon drop drink will have a milder lemon flavor.
What can I use instead of simple syrup?
You can make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts water and granulated sugar, or try using agave syrup for a different sweetness.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this shot?
You can replace the vodka with lemonade or a lemon-flavored soda for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor in these vodka shots, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
How do I ensure the sugar sticks to the rim of the glass?
Use a small lemon slice to moisten the rim of the glass with lemon juice before dipping it into the granulated sugar.
Can I make a large batch of these shots for a party?
You can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate a crowd.
How can I make this shot less sweet?
Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste preference, starting with less and adding more as needed.
Can I make my own flavored vodka for this shot?
Experiment with infusing regular vodka with lemon zest or lemon peel to create your own lemon-flavored vodka.
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Lemon Drop Shot
Our lemon drop shot is a tangy drink featuring lemon-flavored vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sugared rim, creating an easy-to-enjoy drink perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 2
Ingredients
Lemon Drop Shot
- 1½ ounces lemon flavored vodka, chilled
- 1 ounce fresh squeezed 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
Instructions
- 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 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.
- To a cocktail shaker with ice (approximately 1 cup), add the chilled lemon-flavored vodka, fresh lemon juice, 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 91mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
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