Looking for a zesty and refreshing shot to kick off your evening? These lemon drop shots are the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful shots in no time.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common household items, but you might need to pick up some vodka if you don't already have it on hand. Additionally, simple syrup can be made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, but it's also available pre-made at most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Lemon Drop Shots Recipe
Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage that forms the base of this shot.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor.
Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
Lemon: A slice of lemon is used for rimming the glasses and as a garnish.
Sugar: Used for rimming the shot glasses to add a sweet touch.
Technique Tip for Making Lemon Drop Shots
When rimming the shot glasses with sugar, make sure to use a lemon slice to moisten the rim evenly. This ensures that the sugar adheres properly and provides a consistent sweet contrast to the tartness of the lemon juice.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with gin: Gin can provide a similar alcoholic base with a different botanical flavor profile.
vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum offers a slightly sweeter and lighter alternative to vodka.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lemon extract diluted in water: Lemon extract can mimic the lemon flavor when diluted properly.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that can replace simple syrup.
simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup (honey mixed with water) can add a different sweetness and depth of flavor.
lemon slice - Substitute with lime slice: Lime slices can provide a similar visual appeal and citrus aroma.
lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: Orange slices can offer a slightly sweeter citrus garnish.
sugar - Substitute with coarse sea salt: Coarse sea salt can provide a contrasting flavor for the rim.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can add a different sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Lemon Drop Shots
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To store leftover lemon drop shots, pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer to freeze the lemon drop shots, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- When ready to serve, thaw the frozen lemon drop shots in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- For a slushy texture, blend the thawed lemon drop shots with a bit of ice before serving.
- Always shake or stir the mixture well before serving to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- If you plan to make the lemon drop shots ahead of time, prepare the mixture and store it without the garnish. Add the lemon slice garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- To maintain the sugar rim, store the prepared shot glasses separately and rim them with sugar just before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the lemon drop shots mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
- When ready to reheat, pour the mixture into a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is just warm. Do not let it boil, as this will alter the flavor and potency of the vodka.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Pour the mixture into a microwave-safe container and heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating.
- Once warmed, pour the mixture back into the prepared shot glasses.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and serve immediately.
Best Tools for Making Lemon Drop Shots
Shot glasses: Used to serve the lemon drop shots, typically rimmed with sugar for added flavor and presentation.
Lemon slice: Used for rimming the shot glasses and as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
Sugar: Used for rimming the shot glasses to add a sweet contrast to the tart lemon flavor.
Shaker: Essential for mixing the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice to ensure a well-blended and chilled shot.
Strainer: Used to strain the mixed liquid from the shaker into the shot glasses, ensuring a smooth drink without ice shards.
Knife: Used to slice the lemon for both rimming the glasses and garnishing the shots.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the lemon.
Measuring jigger: Ensures precise measurement of the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a balanced shot.
Ice: Used in the shaker to chill the mixture and dilute it slightly for a smoother taste.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-rim the glasses: Rim the shot glasses with lemon and sugar ahead of time to save a few minutes when you're ready to serve.
Use bottled lemon juice: If you're in a rush, use high-quality bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.
Batch make simple syrup: Prepare a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for future use.
Pre-chill ingredients: Keep your vodka and lemon juice chilled in the fridge so you don't need to shake as long to get the perfect temperature.
Use a measuring tool: Use a jigger or measuring cup to quickly and accurately measure your ingredients.

Lemon Drop Shots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 1 slice Lemon for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Sugar for rimming
Instructions
- 1. Rim the shot glasses with a lemon slice and dip in sugar.
- 2. In a shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- 3. Shake well and strain into prepared shot glasses.
- 4. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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