Looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing party drink? This Lemon Drop Shot recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and smooth in one citrusy sip. Popular at bars and house parties alike, the Lemon Drop Shot is a classic vodka-based shooter that combines fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka for a refreshing kick.

Whether you’re entertaining friends or looking for a fun weekend cocktail, this bright and tangy shot is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Garnish with a sugar rim and a lemon wedge to elevate this simple recipe into something unforgettable.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Drop Shot

Quick & Easy: With just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep, this shot is ready in no time.
Refreshing Flavor: A bright burst of citrus combined with smooth vodka makes it super drinkable.
Perfect for Parties: Serve them in rounds to impress guests with minimal effort.
Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness or citrus levels to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect Lemon Drop Shot, here’s what you need:

Vodka: Use a quality vodka for a smooth finish. Citrus-flavored vodka works great too if you want to amplify the lemony taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best tartness and freshness—skip the bottled kind.
Simple Syrup: A mix of sugar and water, simple syrup balances out the tart lemon with a touch of sweetness. You can make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
Optional Garnishes: For presentation, use a sugar rim and a small lemon wedge or twist. To make the sugar rim, dip the shot glass rim in lemon juice then into fine sugar.

Nutrition Information (Per Shot)

Calories: 103
Carbohydrates: 7g
Sugars: 6g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Alcohol Content: Approx. 14% ABV per 1.5 oz shot

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific vodka and syrup used.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re prepping for a party or want to save time, you can easily make Lemon Drop Shots in advance. Combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to shake well again before serving to recombine the ingredients. You can also prep the sugar-rimmed shot glasses ahead—just store them upright in a cool place to keep the rims intact.

If you’re making a larger batch, scale the ingredients and store in a sealed jar or bottle. This way, you can pour out shots quickly and consistently without the need to measure each time. Make-ahead prep keeps the process stress-free and lets you focus on enjoying your event.

Tips for Making a Better Lemon Drop Shot

Use Quality Ingredients

Since there are only a few ingredients, each one matters. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—not bottled—for the best taste. A smooth vodka (like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One) enhances the drink without any harsh aftertaste. Homemade simple syrup also tastes cleaner than store-bought alternatives.

Chill Everything

A great Lemon Drop Shot should be ice-cold and crisp. Chill your vodka in the freezer and your shot glasses in the fridge ahead of time. When shaking the ingredients with ice, shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds to create a frothy texture and maximum chill.

Garnish for Presentation

Adding a sugar rim and a small lemon wedge makes a big visual impact. To get an even sugar rim, dip the glass rim in lemon juice and then into superfine sugar. This not only adds to the flavor but also enhances the overall drinking experience.