The cold vodka and sweet lemon wedges of lemon drops offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that make this shot fun to drink.
As with tequila shots, lemon drop shots are a popular way to make them because it is more about the process than about mixing the ingredients together.
Our tasty but potent shot is easy to make, so whether you choose clear vodka, lemon vodka, or citrus vodka is up to you. We include variations below so you can try them all and choose which you prefer.
How To Make Lemon Drop Shot – 4 Recipe Variations
What’s the alcohol content in lemon drop shot?
You can adjust the alcohol content based on your personal preference, but the classic ratio is between 2:1 and 4:1 vodka to lemon juice. Other alcohol choices include cointreau or triple sec.
What is a lemon drop shot made of?
You’ll find my favorite ingredients in the recipe below. The perfect lemon drop shot has a sweet and tart flavor, and it’s very refreshing.
Lemon Juice
When possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Strain out the seeds and pulp. If you choose to use bottled lemon juice, choose one that is pulp-free and avoid those that contain concentrated lemon juice.
The results were fabulous with fresh lemon juice used in this recipe!
Vodka
The higher alcohol content of the vodka, the stronger the flavor and the better for making lemon drop cocktails. Ketel One, Black Cow, and Boyd & Blair Potato vodkas are great choices for this recipe.
Vodka storage tip:
Whether the vodka is sealed or already open, it doesn’t need refrigerating or freezing. Store it tightly closed at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Sugar
Sugar can be added as a cube or granulated sugar. As with lemon drops served in shot glasses, sugar embellishes the rim of the shot glass to balance the tartness of the lemon juice. Additionally, lemon drops are traditionally served in shots with sugar on the rim.
How to make the best lemon drop shot?
The following steps explain how to make the lemon drop shot:
- Stir the lemon juice, vodka, and sugar in a shaker filled with ice.
- Add the sugar and lemon juice, and shake well.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the shot glass rim, and serve.
- You can sips on lemon wedges between sips while shaking the cocktail about ten times or until sugar is dissolved.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
Lemon drop with sugar rim:
Dip the edge of a shot glass in lemon juice and sugar then shatter it. Fill the glass with chilled vodka and enjoy your shot in a moment. Prepare all the shot glasses ahead of time so you can simply pour any shots at the party.
Lemon drop with sugar cube:
Drink the shot quickly. If you do not have sugar cubes, you could substitute granulated sugar for the vodka. Shake 3/4 ounces of lemon juice and vodka with ice and strain it over the sugar cube.
Lemon drop with a sugary lemon wedge:
Put two lemon wedges in each shot glass and coat them with sugar. Pour chilled vodka over the wedges and drink while biting into the sugar.
Shaken lemon drop:
Lemon drops are sometimes best shaken. An even more elegant mixed drink: Shake 1/2 ounce of vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a shot glass and enjoy.
Other Ways To Spice Up Your Drink
There are many alternatives to this typical shot and here are some outstanding ideas:
Blueberry lemon drop shot: Adding muddled blueberries completes the recipe.
Raspberry lemon drop shot: You can also put in pureed or crushed raspberries.
To make the sugar more colorful, add food coloring to it.
How to make a lemon drop shot without alcohol/vodka?
Lemon-y, sweet-and-sour shots can be prepared with cold beverages, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. They taste fun and have a mild lemon flavor.
This easy shot is perfect for parties and easy to make at home. It only takes a few minutes to make. Shake up the cocktail shaker and pour the lemon drops into shot glasses.
No alcohol is necessary.
Ingredients
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp (Crushed)
- Lemon – 1 to 2
- Sprite / 7Up / Soda – 60 ml
Steps for Lemon Drop Shots
With a lemon wedge, moisten the shot glass rim and dip it in salt. Deposit the salt on the rim and serve.
Lemon drop shots step-1
Stir together salt, sugar, and juice of one lemon in a cocktail shaker until sugar and salt are dissolved.
Lemon drop shots step-2
Add 7 up to this shot glass after straining the mixture.
Lemon drop shots step-3
I’ve got your lemony lemon drop shot ready for you.
FAQ’s – How To Make Lemon Drop Shot
1. What are lemon drops made of?
The refreshing Lemon Drop is made with vodka, lemon, triple sec, and simple syrup.
2. Why is it called a lemon drop?
Lemon drops originated in England when confectioners discovered adding acid to boiled sugar to prevent crystallization. In addition to lemon-flavored throat lozenges and an alcoholic beverage made from lemon juice, vodka and sugar, “lemon drop” can also be used to describe lemon-flavored throat lozenges.
3. How do you make a shot of vodka with lemon and salt?
Using the same hand that contains the salt, hold one lime/lemon slice between your thumb and index finger. Taking a deep breath, licking the salt, inhaling the tequila shot, and biting the lime. The lime may be bit before inhalation for those who don’t like to taste the liquor as much.