Lemon Drop Shot: A Zesty Kicker

Lemon Drop Shot Recipe

The Lemon Drop Shot offers a combination of sour and sweet, capturing the taste of the classic Lemon Drop cocktail in a single, swift sip.

This shot is a party favorite, known for its ability to kickstart any gathering with a zesty bang.

By using chilled vodka paired with a sugar-coated lemon wedge, you’re in for a refreshingly sweet experience that’s as enjoyable to drink as it is simple to make.

Here’s your guide to make a Lemon Drop Shot that will have you and your guests coming back for more.


Lemon Drop Shot Ingredients

  • Chilled Vodka (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): The backbone of the shot, providing a clean, crisp base that enhances the citrus flavors.
  • Lemon Wedge: Adds a natural, tangy citrus kick that perfectly complements the vodka.
  • Granulated Sugar: Coating the lemon wedge, it balances the sourness with a sweet crunch.

Lemon Drop Shot Recipe

  1. Chill Your Vodka: Begin by chilling your vodka to ensure a smooth shot. You can either place the vodka bottle in the freezer for a couple of hours or shake the vodka with ice and strain it into the shot glass for an immediate chill.
  2. Prepare the Shot Glass: Pour the chilled vodka into a shot glass. The cold temperature of the vodka is key to the enjoyable experience of the Lemon Drop Shot.
  3. Sugar-Coat the Lemon Wedge: Take a lemon wedge and dip it in granulated sugar until it’s well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweet and sour in the shot.
  4. Take the Shot and Bite: Drink the shot of chilled vodka and immediately bite into the sugary lemon wedge. The sharpness of the vodka followed by the sweet, citrusy burst of the lemon creates a delightful flavor explosion.

Tips for the Best Lemon Drop Shot

  • Quality Vodka: Opt for a high-quality vodka for a smoother shot. The cleaner the vodka, the better the overall taste of your Lemon Drop Shot.
  • Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The freshness of the lemon enhances the shot with a bright, zesty note that can’t be replicated with bottled lemon juice.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of triple sec or limoncello to the vodka for an extra citrusy dimension to your shot.

The Lemon Drop Shot – Simple & Refreshing

The lemon drop shot is a beloved blend of tartness and sweetness, offering a refreshing balance of flavors. Combining chilled vodka with tangy-sweet lemon wedges creates a delightful shot that’s both enjoyable and invigorating.

While some prefer to prepare lemon drop shots akin to tequila shots, focusing more on the ritual than the ingredient mix, others enjoy experimenting with different variations for added flair.

Typically made with clear vodka, lemon drop shots can also be enhanced with lemon or citrus-infused vodka for an extra zing. This simple shot is sure to be a hit at any gathering.