Lemon Drop Shots

These Lemon Drop Shots are made with fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka, and a lemon sugar rim. The shots come together easily and pack a punch with their sweet, and tart flavors. 

Who doesn’t love a great party drink? When we have friends over I always try to make a cocktail to serve early on that inspires a good time. In the past I’ve done pitchers of Beer Margaritas and Big Batch Moscow Mules or Pear and Apple Sangria. I’ve also served classics like Martinis and an Old Fashioned. Last summer I did these nonalcoholic Frosted Lemonades which everyone loved! 

These Lemon Drop Shots were inspired by a similar drink we recently enjoyed on vacation. Similar in flavor to a Lemon Drop Martini these delicious little drinks an be tossed back quick or sipped on slowly depending on the person. 

How to make Lemon Drop Shots:

Scroll to bottom of page for the full printable recipe!

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Simple Syrup
• Lemons
• Lemon Juice
• Granulated Sugar
• Ice

Instructions: 

1. Place ice, vodka, simple syrup, and all but 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice in a shaker. Close and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Set aside.
2. On a plate, mix lemon zest together with sugar together until well combined.
3. Rim each shot glass with a bit of lemon juice then dip the glasses in the lemon zest sugar mixture. Optional.
4. Pour the drink into each shot glass and serve immediately.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

Cocktail shakers are available at most big box stores and there are tons of them listed on Amazon. If you’re in a pinch and need something right away try one of these suggestions.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker don’t worry there a a couple alternatives you can use and chances are you have them on hand. Try a mason jar or really any empty glass jar with a lid will work great. An insulated water bottle or coffee cup will also work. 

Substitutions and Variations:

Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon juice is best for this cocktail but you can use bottled lemon juice if you have it. 

Simple Syrup. You can buy bottled simple syrup at the grocery store or you local liquor store. You can also make it very easily by combining one cup of granulated sugar with one cup water in a pot on the stove over medium heat until all the sugar melts. Left over simple syrup can be stored a tightly sealed bottle or jar in the fridge for up to a month.

Agave Nectar. You can swap the  5 ounces simple syrup for 5 ounces agave nectar.

Vodka, vodka, vodka. Lemon Drops are traditionally made with vodka but you can make these with gin or even tequila if you’d rather. 

Notes and Tips:

Choose a good vodka. Because there aren’t a lot of internets in these shots you’ll want to choose a good vodka without a lot of bite. My favorite vodka is Tito’s. There is always a bottle on my bar cart. A couple other good choices of vodka at a reasonable price point are Grey Goose and Belvedere. 

This recipe will make five to eight shots depending on the size of your shot glasses. I used 2 ounce shot glasses but if you use a traditional 1.5 ounce shot glass you’ll have more individual shots.

Can I make these cocktails in advance?

You can prepare certain parts of these Lemon Drop Shots in advance but I recommend waiting to mix everything together until right before you serve these. 

To make in advance combine mix together the simple syrup and vodka, but omit the lemon juice. Then before you serve these pour vodka mixture, with lemon juice over ice and shake.

You can also prepare the glass with the lemon sugar rim in advance to save time if you’re serving these at a party.

Cheers Y’all!

Susanne