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You are here: Home » Recipes » Beverages » Lemon Drop Shots

Lemon Drop Shots

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The Best Lemon Drop Shots

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 syrup– premade 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

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Shot glasses (we used 2-ounce glasses)

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.

You might also enjoy

  • Caramel Apple Shots
  • Strawberry Jello Shots
  • Strawberry Lemonade Jello Shots
  • Raspberry Lemonade Mimosas
Lemon drop shot with rimmed glass and lemon garnish.

Lemon Drop Shots

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!
5 from 4 votes

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Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 10 shots
Calories: 84kcal
Author: Jaclyn Shimmel
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Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup vodka, 10 ounces
  • ½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 6 ounces
  • ¼ cup simple syrup, 2 ounces
  • ice
  • 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

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by a third party and intended to serve as an estimate only. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please rate the recipe and leave a comment on the blog or share on social media and tag @crayonsandcravings!
The Best Lemon Drop Shots
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By Jaclyn Shimmel | 07/16/2022
Filed Under: Beverages, Recipes Tagged With: Cocktail, Lemon, Party food

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Comments

  1. Joanna says

    01/29/2023 at 1:41 am

    can you also drink it like cocktail? it sounds very delicious.

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Shimmel says

      01/29/2023 at 10:54 am

      Sure, you can drink it like a cocktail. However, I should warn you that it will be pretty strong!

      Reply

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