Lemon Drop Shots Recipe

Lemon drop shots on a table garnished with a sugar-rimmed glass and fresh lemon slices.

5 from 1 vote

Sweet, tart, and ready in 5 minutes, these lemon drop shots are made with just 3 ingredients! Freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup are shaken and poured into sugar-rimmed shot glasses. One batch makes 10 shots, so they're perfect for parties, BBQs, girls' nights, and every occasion in between.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lemon drop, lemon drop shots

Servings: 1.5-ounce shots

Calories: 144kcal

Author: Sharon Farnell

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mason jar

Ingredients

6 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
6 oz vodka
3 oz simple syrup

Serving

granulated sugar (for rimming shot glasses)
lemon slices or wedges, for serving

Simple Syrup (if making homemade)

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

For the Lemon Drop Shots

Set some granulated sugar on a plate.
Moisten the rims of your shot glasses with lemon wedges, and dip into the sugar.
Add 1 cup of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Juice the lemons, and measure out 6 oz (¾ cup).
Add lemon juice, vodka and simple syrup to the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously.
Strain into shot glasses, and serve with lemon wedges.

For the Homemade Simple Syrup

Add sugar and water to a 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.

Notes

This recipe makes 10 standard 1.5-ounce shots. If using larger glasses, expect fewer servings.

Chill your vodka in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before making for the best flavor.
Add sugar rims to glasses right before serving — if they sit too long the sugar gets soggy.
Taste the mixture before straining and adjust as needed: more simple syrup if too tart, a splash of lemon juice or vodka if too sweet.
To make ahead, combine the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in an airtight jar or pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours — shake with ice and strain into sugar-rimmed glasses just before serving.

Nutrition