Lemon Drop Shots

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5 from 4 votes
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Lemon drop shots are an easy party shot recipe made with vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

If you want to make lemon drop shots for a crowd, this lemon drop shot recipe is for you. This recipe will make 10 shots, enough for a whole tray!

If you like lemony vodka recipes you will also love this refreshing raspberry vodka lemonade cocktail.

Lemon drop shot with rimmed glass and lemon garnish.

These lemon drop shots are sure to be the star of your next party–they taste just like the candy! And you will love how easy they are to make with vodka and freshly-squeezed lemon juice.

Three lemon drop shots.

Have you ever had lemon drops? The classic candy is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Just like this easy vodka shot recipe.

Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Vodka– Use a high-quality vodka such as Tito’s, Absolut, Ketel One, Smirnoff, or Grey Goose for the best tasting lemon drop shot. Or for even more lemon flavor try using a lemon-flavored vodka instead.
  • Lemon juice– Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best. You will need about 3 lemons to get a half cup of lemon juice.
  • Simple syruppremade or homemade (get the easy recipe in FAQ section below)
  • Ice– because shots are best served ice-cold
  • Sugar– optional, for coating the rim of the glass
  • Lemon slices– optional, for garnish

Supplies

How to Make Lemon Drop Shots with Simple Syrup

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Optional: To rim the glass, add a layer of sugar to a saucer. Run a lemon wedge along the rim of the shot glass to moisten it then dip it in the sugar, turning the glass until the is rim completely coated.

Shot glass being dipped in to a plate of sugar.

To a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well to combine and chill. Pour into shot glasses.

Cocktail shaker pouring lemon drop into rimmed shot glass.

Garnish with a slice of lemon, if desired, and serve.

Lemon Drop Shot in 2 ounce shot glass with lemon garnish.

Tips & Variations

  • Try coating the lemon slices with sugar and biting the sugary lemon immediately after taking the lemon drop shot. The sweetness helps tame the tart shot.
  • This recipe makes 10 large 2-ounce shots. If you are using standard 1.5-ounce size shot glasses it will make about 15 shots.
  • Want to make only a single lemon drop shot? Use 1 ounce of vodka, ½ ounce of lemon juice, and a generous splash of simple syrup.

FAQ

What’s in a lemon drop shot?

Lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup.

Where do you get simple syrup?

You can buy simple syrup at the liquor store, in the liquor aisle of the grocery store, on Amazon, or you can make your own.

How do you make simple syrup?

Add equal parts water and sugar to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

What can I use if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

If you do not have a cocktail shaker chill the vodka and lemon juice for at least an hour then add to a pitcher or large bowl and stir to combine with the simple syrup.

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Recipe
Lemon drop shot with rimmed glass and lemon garnish.
Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Lemon Drop Shots

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Want to make lemon drop shots for a crowd? This lemon drop shot recipe is for you– it makes 10 shots, enough for a whole tray!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 ¼ cup vodka 10 ounces
  • ½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice 6 ounces
  • ¼ cup simple syrup 2 ounces
  • ice
  • granulated sugar optional, for rimming
  • lemon slices or wedges optional, for rimming and garnish

Instructions

  • Optional: To rim the glass, add a layer of sugar to a saucer. Run a lemon wedge along the rim of the shot glass to moisten it then dip it in the sugar, turning the glass until the is rim completely coated.
  • To a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well to combine and chill.
  • Pour into shot glasses and garnish with a lemon slices.

Notes

To create a simple syrup, add equal parts water and sugar to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
For a single shot use 1 ounce of vodka, ½ ounce of lemon juice, and a generous splash of simple syrup.
If you do not have a cocktail shaker chill the vodka and lemon juice for at least an hour then add to a pitcher or large bowl and stir to combine with the simple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 84kcal
Lemon drop shot with rimmed glass and lemon garnish.

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The Best Lemon Drop Shots
5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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