Looking for a fun and zesty way to kick off your evening? These lemon drop shots are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these refreshing shots in no time.
If you don't usually keep vodka or simple syrup at home, you might need to make a quick trip to the supermarket. Vodka is a common spirit found in the liquor section, while simple syrup can often be found in the cocktail mixers aisle or you can make it at home by dissolving sugar in water.
Ingredients for Lemon Drop Shots Recipe
Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage that forms the base of the shot.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, providing the tartness.
Simple syrup: A sweet syrup made from sugar and water, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
Sugar: Used for rimming the shot glasses to add a sweet touch.
Lemon wedges: Small slices of lemon used for garnish, adding a decorative and flavorful element.
Technique Tip for Making Lemon Drop Shots
When rimming the shot glasses with sugar, make sure to moisten the rims with a lemon wedge before dipping them into the sugar. This helps the sugar adhere better and adds a subtle hint of citrus flavor to each sip.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with lemon-flavored sparkling water: This provides a similar citrusy flavor without the alcohol, keeping the drink refreshing and light.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar tartness and acidity, maintaining the drink's refreshing quality.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and provides a similar sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for rimming and offers a slightly caramel-like flavor, adding a unique twist to the drink.
lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime wedges provide a similar visual appeal and complementary flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
To store leftover lemon drop shots, pour the mixture into an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the fresh, zesty flavor of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the simple syrup.
If you want to prepare the lemon drop shots in advance, you can mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup together and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply shake the mixture with ice and strain into shot glasses.
For freezing, pour the lemon drop shots mixture into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a chilled shot whenever you desire. Just thaw the cubes slightly before shaking with ice and serving.
If you prefer to freeze the lemon drop shots as a whole drink, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe bottle or container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator until it reaches a slushy consistency. Shake well before pouring into shot glasses.
Always label your containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness. This ensures you enjoy the lemon drop shots at their best quality.
For an extra touch, you can pre-rim the shot glasses with sugar and store them in the refrigerator. This makes serving quick and easy, especially for parties or gatherings.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the lemon drop shots mixture into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
- Once the mixture is slightly warm, remove from heat. Do not let it boil as it will affect the vodka.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe container. Heat in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary.
- For a more creative approach, consider using a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and place the lemon drop shots mixture in the top pot. Heat gently, stirring occasionally.
- Serve immediately in shot glasses, optionally re-rimming with sugar and garnishing with fresh lemon wedges.
Essential Tools for Making Lemon Drop Shots
Shot glasses: Essential for serving the lemon drop shots in the perfect portion size.
Shaker: Used to combine and chill the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
Strainer: Helps to strain the mixture from the shaker into the shot glasses, ensuring a smooth drink.
Ice: Necessary for chilling the ingredients in the shaker.
Lemon wedges: Used for garnishing the shot glasses, adding a fresh and decorative touch.
Sugar: Used for rimming the shot glasses to add a sweet contrast to the tart lemon flavor.
Plate: Useful for holding the sugar when rimming the shot glasses.
Knife: Needed for cutting the lemon wedges for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the lemons.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-rim the glasses: Rim the shot glasses with sugar ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time during preparation.
Use pre-made simple syrup: Buy or make a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge for quick access.
Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze and store lemon juice in a sealed container in the fridge to speed up the mixing process.
Batch preparation: Mix larger quantities of vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and store in the fridge, then shake with ice as needed.

Lemon Drop Shots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- to taste Sugar (for rimming)
- to taste Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rim the shot glasses with sugar.
- In a shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into shot glasses.
- Garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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