The Lemon Drop Shot is a sour, sweet vodka shot recipe. Liquid lemon meringue: a sugared rim, tart citrus and a clean vodka backbone. The template every sweet-and-sour shot is measured against. For more like it, browse our Vodka shots, and always drink responsibly — Shot Chef is for adults 21+.
Lemon Drop Shot
About the Lemon Drop Shot
The Lemon Drop is the shot that wins over people who say they do not like shots. It is essentially a miniature lemon-drop martini: bright, tart citrus vodka balanced by just enough simple syrup, finished with a sugared rim that turns each sip into a quick sweet-then-sour rush. Clean and refreshing rather than heavy.
The one rule: use fresh lemon
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable here. Bottled juice tastes flat and slightly bitter and will dull the whole drink. Squeeze it the same day and taste as you go; the balance should make you pucker slightly, not wince.
Tips and variations
- Rim the glass with sugar before shaking, using a lemon wedge to wet the edge so the sugar grips.
- Shake hard with ice until the tin frosts over; the chill and a little dilution soften the tartness.
- Muddle a few berries before shaking for a blueberry or raspberry lemon drop, or use colored sugar on the rim for parties.
- No citrus vodka? Plain vodka with an extra squeeze of lemon does the job.
Love this bright, citrusy style? You will find more in our sour shots collection.
Substitutions
- Plain vodka plus an extra squeeze of lemon.
- Agave in place of simple syrup.
Batch version
For 12, shake 12 oz vodka, 6 oz lemon, 6 oz syrup in two batches.
FAQ
Fresh or bottled lemon?
Always fresh — bottled juice tastes flat and dulls the sugar rim.
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At a glance
- Base liquor
- Vodka
- Flavor
- Sour · Sweet
- Strength
- Medium
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Prep time
- 3 min
- Method
- Shake
- Glassware
- 2 oz shot glass
- Best for
- Bachelorette, Birthday
- Est. cost/shot
- $1.90
Drink responsibly. For adults 21+. Never drink and drive.