3-Ingredient Lemon Drop Shots
If you’re looking for an easy Lemon Drop Shot recipe, you’ve come to the right place. These sweet-and-tart shots are made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, then shaken with ice until perfectly chilled. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and always a hit at parties, holiday gatherings, and celebrations.
This recipe is for adults ages 21+. Always drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
Key Takeaways
- Lemon drop shots are easy to make and require just vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Customize your shots with optional garnishes like lemon wedges or sugar rims.
- Mix ingredients in a shaker, serve in shot glasses, and enjoy responsibly.
- You can prepare the mix ahead and shake with ice for serving at parties.
- These shots are perfect for celebrations and gatherings, offering a fun citrus flavor.
Inspired by the classic Lemon Drop Martini, these little shots deliver the same bright citrus flavor in a fun, bite-sized cocktail. Whether you’re hosting friends or toasting a special occasion, learning how to make Lemon Drop Shots at home is easier than you might think.
Ingredients
To make these party shots, you need just a few ingredients.
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces lemon juice (fresh lemon juice is best)
- 2 ounces simple syrup
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges, lemon slices, or lemon twist
- Extra lemon juice
- Granulated sugar
How To Make Lemon Drop Shots
- Dip the rim of shot glasses in lemon juice and then dip in sugar to create a sugar rim.
- In a cocktail shaker or glass, combine the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir or shake lightly to mix.
- Divide the mixture between 4 shot glasses and top with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Tips for the Best Lemon Drop Shots
A few simple tricks will help you make restaurant-quality Lemon Drop Shots every time.
- To create the sweet rim, place sugar on a shallow plate, dip shot glasses in lemon juice, then dip in the sugar. To make a lemon sugar rim, just add lemon zest to the sugar before dipping.
- To make a sweeter shot, increase the amount of simple syrup. To make a more tart shot, increase the amount of fresh lemon juice.
- If your ingredients are already chilled, there’s no need to shake them with ice. However, if it needs to be ice cold, gently shake it with ice. (Shaking too hard will cause it to froth.)
- For another version, you can also replace the simple syrup with 2 ounces of lemon-lime soda.
- The size of shot glasses can vary from 1.25 ounces to 3.5 ounces. So, be aware of the size of your shot glasses and adjust the recipe as needed.
- Dip lemon wedges in sugar for an extra sweet-tart flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
FAQs
A smooth, good-quality vodka works best since it’s one of the main ingredients. While premium vodka creates the smoothest shot, your favorite mid-range brand will also produce great results.
Yes! You can mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup several hours ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Just shake the mixture with ice before pouring into shot glasses for the best flavor and temperature.
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Shake individual portions with ice before serving, or chill the entire batch well and serve immediately.
Lemon Drop Shots
Ingredients
Method
- Dip the rim of shot glasses in lemon juice and then dip in sugar to create a sugar rim.
- In a cocktail shaker or glass, combine the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir or shake lightly to mix.
- Divide the mixture between 4 shot glasses and top with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimation and does not include sugar rim or any additional items.
- To create the sweet rim, place sugar on a shallow plate, dip shot glasses in lemon juice, then dip in the sugar. To make a lemon sugar rim, just add lemon zest to the sugar before dipping.
- To make a sweeter shot, increase the amount of simple syrup. To make a more tart shot, increase the amount of fresh lemon juice.
- You can skip the simple syrup and simply place a sugar cube in each shot glass if you would like it sweeter or to change things up. If you do this, increase the lemon juice to 4 ounces in place of the simple syrup.
- If your ingredients are already chilled, there’s no need to shake them with ice. However, if it needs to be ice cold, gently shake it with ice. (Shaking too hard will cause it to froth.)
- For another version, you can also replace the simple syrup with 2 ounces of lemon-lime soda.
- The size of shot glasses can vary from 1.25 ounces to 3.5 ounces. So, be aware of the size of your shot glasses and adjust the recipe as needed.
- Dip lemon wedges in sugar for an extra sweet-tart flavor.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!If you enjoy refreshing cocktails, you’ll find plenty more to sip on at Southern Kissed. Cool off with a classic Arnold Palmer Drink or mix up a pitcher of Authentic Spanish Sangria for your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or celebrating a special occasion, these easy drink recipes help keep the good times flowing.
Last Bite
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, ringing in the New Year, or simply gathering with friends, these Lemon Drop Shots are an easy way to add a little fun to the occasion. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you’re celebrating – or share your favorite lemon-inspired cocktail. And as always, please enjoy responsibly.
