Lemon Drop Shots (Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe)
These Lemon Drop Shots are the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a vodka kick that’ll liven up any gathering. Ready in just 5 minutes, this citrusy shot recipe uses only three simple ingredients but delivers big on flavor, making it a reliable crowd pleaser for your next party.
The classic lemon drop shot captures the nostalgic flavor of lemon drop candy in shot form. It’s a versatile cocktail recipe that can be made for a small group or scaled up for a large batch when you’re entertaining, and the sugared rim adds a fun touch that makes these shots look as good as they taste.
Looking for more cocktail ideas? Try my Lemon Meringue Shot for another lemony treat, or my Party Favorite Cotton Candy Jello Shots for something colorful and fun!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: These shots come together in less than 5 minutes with just a shake or stir – perfect when entertaining guests.
- Simple ingredients: You only need vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup – ingredients most home bars already have on hand.
- Customizable sweetness: Easily adjust the sweet-to-tart ratio to match your taste preferences by adding more or less simple syrup.
- Impressive presentation: The sugared rim and lemon garnish make these shots look professionally crafted with minimal effort.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Notes:
- Vodka – The foundation of this shot that provides the kick. Using good quality vodka like Grey Goose will give you the best flavor and smoothest finish without harsh aftertastes.
- Lemon Juice – Adds the signature tart, citrusy flavor that makes this shot so refreshing. Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended over bottled for the brightest, most authentic taste.
- Simple Syrup – Balances the tartness of the lemon with just the right amount of sweetness. This liquid sugar dissolves perfectly in cold mixtures, unlike granulated sugar.
Substitutions and Additions
- Vodka alternatives – For a different twist, you can substitute the vodka with citrus vodka for extra lemony goodness or vanilla vodka for a dessert-like flavor.
- Sweetener options – If you don’t have simple syrup, you can use a sugar cube in each shot glass or substitute with 2 ounces of lemon-lime soda for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add-ins – For a more complex flavor, add a splash of triple sec or limoncello to complement the lemon flavor and add depth to the shot.
- Garnish variations – Try using colored sugar for the rim to match party themes, or add a thin slice of lemon zest twisted on top for extra aroma and presentation.
How to Make Lemon Drop Shots (step-by-step directions)
STEP 1. Measure out your vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Have your shot glasses ready. (Photos 1, 2 & 3)
STEP 2. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker or any container you have on hand. Stir or shake lightly to blend everything together.
STEP 3. If desired, run a lemon wedge around the rim of each shot glass, then dip into loose sugar to create a sweet, sugared rim.
STEP 4. Pour the mixture evenly between your shot glasses. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately. (Photos 4 & 5)
Recipe Tips
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for the best-tasting shots without diluting them with ice.
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or tartness to your preference – some lemons are more acidic than others.
- For parties, prep the sugared rims in advance and keep the mixture in a mason jar in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Be mindful of shot glass size – standard ones range from 1.25 to 3.5 ounces, which will affect how many servings this recipe yields.
Storing Tips
- Storage: This lemon drop shot mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator: Store the premixed cocktail in a sealed container or mason jar for up to 24 hours. The flavors actually meld nicely with a little time.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the alcohol content will prevent it from fully freezing and the fresh lemon flavor will diminish.
- Serving from storage: Give the mixture a good stir or shake before pouring into glasses, as separation may occur during storage.
Serving Suggestions
These zesty lemon drop shots pair wonderfully with light appetizers like my Easy Hot Party dips: 4 Dips In One Pan! or 3-Minute Fall Chex Party Snack Mix Recipe for a casual gathering.
For a dessert pairing, serve alongside my Lemon Blueberry Fruit Salad Recipe with Cool Whip or Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies for a complementary lemon theme.
Looking for a non-alcoholic option for designated drivers? My How To Make Watermelon Lemonade or Jalapeno Cucumber Lemonade are perfect alternatives.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While a cocktail shaker makes mixing easier, you can use any container with a tight lid like a mason jar, or simply stir the ingredients together in a measuring cup or small pitcher.
You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just give it a good stir before serving.
A good quality, smooth vodka like Grey Goose or any premium brand will give you the best results. The smoother the vodka, the better the shot will taste since there are only three ingredients.
Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Just maintain the ratio of 2 parts vodka to 1 part lemon juice to 1 part simple syrup. For a party pitcher, multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed.
Simple syrup is easy to make at home by combining equal parts water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then cool before using. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.
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Lemon Drop Shots (Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces (113 ⅖ g) Vodka
- 2 Ounces (56 ⅔ g) Lemon Juice
- 2 Ounces (56 ⅔ g) Simple Syrup
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon Wedges
- Extra Lemon Juice
- Loose White Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Measure out your vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Have your shot glasses ready.4 Ounces Vodka,2 Ounces Lemon Juice,2 Ounces Simple Syrup
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker or any container you have on hand. Stir or shake lightly to blend everything together.
- If desired, run a lemon wedge around the rim of each shot glass, then dip into loose sugar to create a sweet sugared rim.Lemon Wedges,Loose White Granulated Sugar
- Pour the mixture evenly between your shot glasses. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately.Extra Lemon Juice
Notes
- You can skip the simple syrup and simply place a sugar cube in each shot glass, if you would like it sweeter or to change things up. If you do this, increase the lemon juice to 4 ounces in place of the simple syrup.
- If your ingredients are already chilled, don’t worry about shaking it with ice. However, if it needs to be ice cold, shake with ice, but do it lightly or it will froth up.
- For another version, you can also replace the simple syrup with 2 ounces of lemon lime soda.
- Be sure to coat the rims of your shot glasses before adding the liquid, if that’s the route you’re taking.
- The size of shot glasses can vary from 1.25 ounces to 3.5 ounces. So, be aware of the size of your shot glasses and adjust the recipe as needed.
Nutrition Information
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