The Lemon Drop Shot - A Tart, Sweet Party in a Glass

The puckering citrus flavor of the lemon drop shot is delivered in a single, enticing gulp, making it a popular choice at parties. Although the shot is commonly associated with stressed-out housewives of the 1950s, its roots can be traced back centuries earlier to lemon liqueurs like Italian limoncello or French citron pressé.

In the 1970s, when sweet and sour flavors were popular, the contemporary lemon drop shot as we know it today undoubtedly emerged. The lemon drop is a classic shot that can liven up any occasion, from a relaxed get-together to a rowdy bachelorette party, thanks to its refreshing combination of acidic lemon juice, sweet simple syrup, and bracing vodka or whiskey.

This sour little shot is great on its own as a long, chilled shot, or it can be mixed with ice to make a longer lemon drop drink. Here you’ll find not only the traditional recipe for lemon drop shots, but also some interesting twists on the classic.

Classic Lemon Drop Shot Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 ounces vodka or whiskey
1⁄2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1⁄2 ounce simple syrup
Lemon wedge
Sugar or salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:

Get the glass ready by dipping the rim in sugar or salt after rubbing it with a lemon wedge.
To make one, combine vodka, whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
To chill, shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds.
Sift into the shot glass you just set up.
Have fun, and don’t worry about missing. The combination of the sour lemon and sweet syrup and the silky vodka is sublime.

Tips for the Best Lemon Drop Shots

The most vibrant flavor will come from freshly squeezed lemon juice. The flavor and acidity of fresh juice are lost in the bottling process.
Sugar or salt the rim to your preference. Some people enjoy it quite sweet, while others like a salty sour.
To highlight the lemon’s flavor, we recommend using a high proof spirit. Avoid flavored options at all costs.
The secret to effective diluting is shaking hard and serving at a very chilly temperature.
A clean, pulp-free shot achieved through careful straining.
Do not let shots warm up and dilute by waiting to serve them.

Getting the Ideal Tart-Sweet Balance

The fun of a lemon drop shot comes from the way its sour and sweet flavors work together. The secret is to combine a perfectly sweetened simple syrup with high-quality, freshly squeezed lemons that provide a tart punch.

It’s suggested that you begin with half an ounce of lemon juice and half an ounce of simple syrup, but you can vary the amounts to suit your own preference. Increase the amount of lemon juice to 3/4 or 1 ounce if it is not extremely sour. Make the simple syrup with twice as much sugar as water for a sweeter shot.

A extremely sour and potent shot can be made by substituting lemon juice for the simple syrup. Instead of sugaring the rim, you might also salt it to reduce the sugar content.

The beauty of this shot is in its adaptability, so feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar to taste.

Fun Flavor Variations

Even though it’s hard to improve upon the original lemon drop, there are countless ways to change things up by using other fruit purées, spices, and citrus juices. Here are some flavor combinations that really hit the spot:

Raspberry Lemon Drop:

Rim with raspberry sugar
Use 1⁄2 oz raspberry purée
Reduce simple syrup to 1⁄4 oz

Strawberry Lemon Drop:

Rim with strawberry sugar
Use 1⁄2 oz strawberry purée
Reduce simple syrup to 1⁄4 oz

Blueberry Lemon Drop:

Rim with blueberry sugar
Use 1⁄2 oz blueberry purée
Reduce simple syrup to 1⁄4 oz

Lavender Lemon Drop:

Rim with lavender sugar
Add 1⁄4 oz lavender syrup
Use lemon vodka if available

Basil Lemon Drop:

Rim with basil sugar
Muddle 3 basil leaves in shaker
Use lemon vodka or gin

Spicy Lemon Drop:

Rim with cayenne sugar
Add 2-3 dashes hot sauce

Grapefruit Drop:

Use 1⁄2 oz grapefruit juice and 1⁄4 oz lemon juice
Increase simple syrup to 3⁄4 oz

Lime Drop:

Use lime juice instead of lemon
Increase simple syrup to 3⁄4 oz

The standard lemon drop template can be used as a jumping off point for an infinite number of flavorful and novel confections. Making your own special lemon drop types by combining different flavors is a lot of fun.

How to Make Lemon Drop Cocktails

Lemon drops are typically eaten as shots, but they make a great chilled cocktail when served in a martini glass with sugar on the rim. The method is quite similar to that of the shot, except that it is shaken and served over ice.

To make a lemon drop cocktail:

Rim a chilled martini glass with lemon juice and sugar as above
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
Add 2 ounces vodka or whiskey
Add 3⁄4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Add 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup
Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until chilled
Fine strain into the rimmed martini glass
Garnish with a lemon twist

Because of the addition of ice and water, the cocktail version will be more subdued than the shot. Use very cold ice; preferably ice that has been chipped or fractured, so that it becomes icy cold and frosty. To dilute and strain finely for clarity, a good shake is all it takes.

Lemon twists or wheels are a lovely addition to any cocktail and add a refreshing burst of citrus flavor at the end of each sip. Only use the outer, more delicious yellow peel; avoid the white, bitter pith.

Instead than gulping down a standard lemon drop, this one can be savored at a more leisurely pace. It has a reduced alcohol content but yet packs plenty of that perfect sweet-tart zing.

Serving up lemon drops at your next event

Shots and cocktails made with lemonade are a refreshing choice for every occasion, from chill get-togethers with friends to competitive game evenings. For elegant presentation, consider these suggestions:

Prepare a shot station with chilled vodka, simple syrup, lemon wedges, sugar, and shot glasses. For some fun and interactivity, have guests rim and pour their own drinks.
Prepare large quantities of lemon drop cocktails and store them refrigerated in a drink dispenser containing floating lemon halves.
Arrange a bottle of vodka and few glasses with the lemon juice and simple syrup already in them. Allow each person to contribute their own alcoholic beverage.
Vodka infused with lemons will have an even more refreshing taste. Pretty colors are an added bonus.
Garnish drinks with a thin slice of lemon by floating it on the surface. Floating the peel after scoring it with a knife creates a slotted effect.
Use a sugar, salt, or spice mixture on the rims to complement the flavor of the variant, such as basil sugar for a basil lemon drop.

Making large quantities of lemon drops is a breeze. For the best temperature and consistency, shake each drink separately. Their flavor is bright and energizing, making them the ideal beverage for a party.

The Tart, Sweet Allure of Lemon Drops

It’s simple to see why lemon drop shots have become so popular; they contain a sharp citrus flavor, sweetness to cushion the edge, and a smooth liquor foundation. They make expressing one’s individuality easy and are a lot of fun.

Lemon drops are a versatile drink that can be taken as a shot or mixed with other ingredients for a longer cocktail. It’s lemon drop time, so round up some lemons, sugar, and vodka, and get the party started!