Lemon Drop Shot

This lemon drop shot recipe is going to be the hit of every party! It’s a sweet tart shot that’s really smooth and is the perfect shooter to enjoy on any occasion.

All you need are a few simple ingredients – a good quality vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a few lemon wedges. Muddle everything together, add ice, and give it a good shake and you’ve got the best lemon drop shots ever!

Shots are fun – try these Pink Starburst Shots and Green Tea Shots to get the party started!

If you’re a lemon lover like me, this lemon drop shot recipe is for you. It’s packed with sweet and tart lemony flavor but is the smoothest vodka shot you’ll ever make. What sets this lemon drop drink apart is that I use fresh ingredients for that true lemony goodness. That means fresh lemons that are juiced as well as sliced and muddled in a cocktail shaker and shake with vodka and ice.

Save this recipe for the holidays, your next party, cookouts, and any event where you want a drink that will be the star of the show!

What are lemon drop shots made of?

A lemon drop shot is a lot like a lemon drop martini except it doesn’t have triple sec.

There are a few renditions of the lemon drop shot, but at it’s core, these are the ingredients used.

This lemon drop shot recipe includes:

• Vodka – I used Tito’s Vodka, it’s one of my faves for a really good price! Grey Goose works too. However, you can use whatever kind of vodka you like!
• Lemon Juice – fresh squeezed is best, but if you don’t have enough lemons, you can use prepackaged lemon juice.
• Lemons – this is key for the true lemon flavor! When muddled, the oil in the lemons are released and gives a beautiful bright flavor to the shooters. It just give this drink a great lemon twist.
• Simple Syrup – for sweetness and is a great way to balance out the tart lemon flavor.
• Ice Cubes – serving this drink ice cold make for the most refreshing perfect shot.
• White Sugar – Optional for sugar rim

Equipment Needed

I highly recommend using a cocktail shaker (a stainless steel shaker is best), a jigger, and a strainer (if your cocktail shaker doesn’t have one built in). Also, I recommend using a muddle to get those lemon oils to release from the wedges. You’ll also need shot glasses.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid. If you don’t have either, you can use a cup and just be sure to stir everything together. This lemon drop cocktail will be delicious either way.

If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the bottom of a wooden spoon to press on the lemons in the cocktail shaker or cup.

How to make a Lemon Drop Shot

• If you’re going to add a sugared rim to the shot glasses, pour simple syrup into a shallow bowl and put a few tablespoons of sugar in another. Dip the shooters into the simple syrup and the in the sugar and set aside. (Pro tip: add lemon zest to the sugar for an extra punch of lemon flavor)

• Place lemon wedges in a cocktail shaker and muddle for about 10 seconds. Then add vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Place the cap back on and shake until the shaker becomes cold, about another 10 seconds.

• Strain the mixture into the shot glasses and serve! If you’d like a garnish, add a lemon slice on top to make it look pretty!

How to make a large batch

It’s always a good idea to make a large batch of these, especially if you’re having a big get together. You can make a large batch of these pretty easily.

You’ll need a pitcher and simply combine vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon wedges, and add ice. Give it a good stir and serve (see the exact measurements in the recipe card)

Garnish Ideas!

• Add tangy-sweet lemon wedges or sugared lemon wedge to the top of each of the shot glasses.
• If you prefer salt on the rim of the shot glass, add that instead of sugar!
• Serve actual lemon drop candies for a true lemon drop experience 🙂
• Add blueberries! Try a blueberry lemon drop martini for a fruity take on the lemon drop.

Substitutions

• If you don’t have simple syrup – don’t worry! Simply add a teaspoon of sugar to the cocktail shaker along with a half teaspoon of water. If you have a sugar cube, you can add that as well, just be sure that the sugar dissolves completely in the cocktail shaker prior to serving.
• Make lemon drop jello shots! Get the party going by making these fun shots into jello shooters!
• If you want to make this lemon drop shot recipe and you don’t have vodka, you can use a lemon liqueur or limoncello and turn this into a limoncello shot instead for an Italian spin!
• If you don’t have any fresh lemons on hand, using store bought lemon juice works.
• For a mocktail shot, use lemon juice, lemon wedges, simple syrup, and water or your favorite non-alcoholic vodka. You can use the exact measurements in the recipe card.

FAQs

More Drink Recipes!

• Scooby Snack Shot
• Water Moccasin Shot
• Mango Mojitos
• Grapefruit Margaritas
• Pink Starburst Shots
• S’moretini Shooters
• Blackberry Mojitos
• Green Tea Shots