Lemon Drop Shots Recipe

These easy lemon drop shots are sweet, tart, fresh, and party ready in 5 minutes! Made with fresh squeezed lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup poured into sugar-rimmed shot glasses, this 3 ingredient lemon drop shot recipe is bright, refreshing, and perfect for BBQs, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and more!

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This easy lemon drop shot recipe is one of my favorite shot recipes! Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, good quality vodka and sugar- these lemon drop shooters are perfect for your next party, and ready in minutes!

As a recipe developer who loves easy party drinks, I tested this version with fresh lemon juice and classic simple syrup so the shots are balanced, smooth, and never harsh and bitter. The natural flavors of the fresh ingredients really shine through.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love these Lemon Drop Shots
• Lemon Drop Shot Ingredients
• Lemon Drop Shot Variations and Substitutions
• How to Make Lemon Drop Shots
• How to serve Lemon Drop Shots
• How to Make Lemon Drop Shots for a Crowd
• Tools
• Easy Vodka Lemon Drop Shots (3 ingredients)
• Making your own simple syrup
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why you'll love these Lemon Drop Shots

Here’s why this easy lemon drop shot recipe works:

Just 3 main ingredients: Vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. The simple syrup blends smoothly into the shots, so there’s no gritty sugar at the bottom of your shot glass. Fresh lemon juice gives the shots a bright, fresh citrus flavor.

Quick and easy: Ready in just 5 minutes - no special bartending skills required! it's super simple to make a batch for parties, BBQs, and holiday gatherings.

Lemon Drop Shot Ingredients

These fresh and delicious shots couldn't be easier to make! Here's what you'll need to make a great lemon drop shot:

• Fresh squeezed lemon juice. Say no to bottled, and juice those bad boys yourself. What really sets this lemon drop shots recipe apart is the freshly squeezed lemon juice!
• Good Quality Vodka. Since this is a clean, fresh, 3-ingredient shot, you want to use a good quality, very drinkable vodka. My pick is always Stateside Vodka. Second up, Tito's or Grey Goose. High quality is key for the best shots! 
• Simple syrup. Simple syrup works better than plain granulated sugar in these shots because it dissolves completely and gives each shot the perfect sweet and tart balance without any grit. Save the granulated sugar for the rim.You can either make your own simple syrup, or use store bought. To make homemade simple syrup, you'll need equal parts sugar and water. Bring to to a boil, and stir to dissolve sugar. Once boiling. reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Allow to cool, and voila- you've got simple syrup. You can even do fun flavored syrup the same way!
• Granualted sugar, for garnish (if desired). A cute little shot glass and a perfect sugared rim make these shots a standout at parties and gatherings! I love these tiny mason jar shot glasses. You can also garnish each shot with a cute little lemon wedge!

Lemon Drop Shot Variations and Substitutions

Once you have the basics down on how to make a lemon drop shot, you can play with the recipe a bit to make it your own! Here are some great swaps and additions:

Sugar rim ideas
Vodka swaps	Use citrus or lemon flavored vodka for extra lemon flavor, or choose your favorite smooth vodka.
Citrus swaps	Try Meyer lemons instead of classic lemons for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Garnishes	Add a lemon wedge, sugared lemon slice, lemon twist, or add some fresh lemon zest to the sugared rim (aka lemon sugar).

How to Make Lemon Drop Shots

Rim the glasses. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of each shot, then dip the rims into granulated sugar.

Fill the shaker. Add ice to a cocktail shaker.

Add the ingredients. Pour in the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Depending on the size of your cocktail shaker, you may need to work in batches.

Shake well. Shake vigorously, until the shot mixture is ice cold.

Strain and serve. Pour into the prepared sugar rimmed shot glasses, and garnish with lemon wedges.

How to serve Lemon Drop Shots

Serve lemon drop shots cold, right away. using a sugar-rimmed shot glass gives the shots a festive feel, while balancing the tart lemon flavor.

Garnish each glass with a tiny lemon wedge, slice of lemon, or a lemon twist. Standard 1.5-ounce shot glasses work great, but small 2-ounce mason jar glasses are also super cute for parties.

How to Make Lemon Drop Shots for a Crowd

To make these lemon drop shots for a crowd, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed jar or pitcher, and stick it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Wait to add the sugar rim to the shot glasses until just before serving so the sugar stays dry.

When your guests arrive, shake the chilled mixture with ice (if refrigerated for more than 3 hours, no ice is needed), strain into sugar-rimmed shot glasses, and garnish with lemon.

Tools

You don’t need much equipment for this easy lemon drop shot recipe, but a cocktail shaker makes the drink smoother, pulp-free, and easy to dispense. Here are some great tools to have on hand to make these shots:

• A stainless steel or glass cocktail shaker, or mason jar with lid.
• A plate or bowl for the sugar to apply to the shot glass rim. 
• A juicer or lemon press for juicing the lemons. 
• Shot glasses. Either glass or disposable will work!

Making your own simple syrup

Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high, and bring to to a boil, and stir to dissolve sugar. Once boiling. reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Cool and serve.

Leftover lasts in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks in an airtight container!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a lemon drop shot made of?

Lemon drop shots are made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener. This version also uses a sugared rim and lemon wedge for serving.

What does a lemon drop shot taste like?

Lemon drops are sweet and tart- like lemon drop candy, but with a smooth vodka finish.

Should I use simple syrup or sugar?

Simple syrup is best for this drink because it blends seamlessly into the shots, with zero grit. Granulated sugar is best saved for rimming the shot glasses.

Can I turn this into a lemon drop martini?

Sure can. Simply shake with ice, and strain into a chilled sugar-rimmed martini glass. Keep the serving to about 3-4 oz per martini.

Can I make a large batch of these shots?

Yes. Use a 2:2:1 ratio of vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. For example, use 12 ounces vodka, 12 ounces of lemon juice, and 6 ounces of simple syrup to make a double batch of shots. Shake portions with ice right before serving.

Can I make a lemon drop mocktail?

To make this shot alcohol free, skip the vodka and use lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water or alcohol-free spirits.

How do I get the perfect balance of sweet and sour for the shots?

Always taste before you serve. If you take a sip and it's a bit too sweet, add more vodka or lemon juice. A bit too sour? Add a bit more simple syrup.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest, freshest flavor. Bottled lemon juice is often sharper or more bitter, so if you do decide to use it, start with slightly less lemon juice and adjust with extra simple syrup to balance the bitterness.

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