Lemon Drop Shots will become your new, favorite party treat. The juice of a lemon and granulated sugar are a match made in heaven; add a good vodka and you’ve got a party.
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One of my most favorite drinks, and one of the most popular on Kitchen Serf, is a Lemon Drop Martini.
This drink recipe is basically a scaled down version of limoncello martini in shot form.
But, you finish by taking a bite of a sugared lemon wedge. Yum!
More citrus drinks to try: If you're a citrus fan, try my Lemon Drop Martini (3-Ingredient Recipe with Limoncello) and Grapefruit Rosemary Martinis, Grapefruit Martinis, Lemon Lime Bitters or Passion Fruit Cocktail Recipe.
You could serve these with Rosemary Chicken Sandwiches and Sugared Grapes.
Why You'll Love This Shot
- Tart but sweet flavor
- Minimal calories
- Easily increased to make a big batch for parties
Lemon Drop Shoot Tools
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Paring knife for neatly slicing lemon wedges
- Fork or citrus juicer
- Jigger
Lemon Drop Shot Ingredients
- Vodka (I’m not being compensated for this endorsement but I really like Tito’s, it’s smooth).
- Fresh lemons (don't use artificial lemon juice, it will not taste good).
- Simple syrup (I forbid you from buying a bottle of this. Making your own takes less than five minutes. Simmer equal parts sugar and water until sugar has dissolved.)
- Granulated sugar (for garnish or if you don't want to make simple syrup).
How to Make This Drink
Make a simple syrup by simmering together equal amounts of water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over low heat for about five minutes or until sugar has completely dissolved. Let cool.
Juice lemons--estimate one lemon, depending on size, for every two shots, and set aside. I was using large lemons. If your citrus is smaller, you may need to squeeze one lemon per shot.
You can buy a citrus juicer if you want but it's easier to just use a big fork.
Cut the lemons in half and working over a glass bowl or a large, glass measuring cup, insert the fork into each half and twist the fork back and forth until you've wrenched all the juice from each one.
But before you juice the lemons, remove the zest from each one and reserve for another use, like Lemon Bars.
It's really hard to zest a lemon that's already been cut in half.
Slice one lemon into wedges to cover with granulated sugar for eating post shot.
Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice.
Add simple syrup (½ ounce), lemon juice (½ ounce) and vodka (1 ounce) per shot to the shaker. Shake vigorously until the shaker is ice cold, at least one minute.
Pour into shot glasses and serve with a sugar lemon wedge.
What to Serve with these drinks?
My favorite is to have a snack with some oomph if I'm drinking cocktails. So nuts are a great choice, especially nuts with the most protein.
Spicy Shrimp Nachos are also delish as is Salmon Escabeche.
How many calories are in vodka?
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Recipe
Lemon Drop Shots
Lemon Drop Shots will become your new party treat. Lemon juice and simple syrup are a match made in heaven; add a good vodka and you’ve got a party.
Ingredients
- 2-ounces vodka
- 1-ounce fresh Lemon Juice
- 1-ounce simple syrup
- Lemon wedges dipped in granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
Make a simple syrup by simmering together equal amounts of water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over low heat for about five minutes or until sugar has completely dissolved. Let cool.
Juice lemons--estimate one lemon, depending on size, for every two shots, and set aside. I was using large lemons. If your citrus is smaller, you may need to squeeze one lemon per shot.
Slice one lemon into wedges to cover with granulated sugar for eating post shot.
Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice.
Add simple syrup (½ ounce), lemon juice (½ ounce) and vodka (1 ounce) per shot to the shaker. Shake vigorously until the shaker is ice cold, at least one minute.
Pour into shot glasses and serve with a sugar lemon wedge.
Notes
If you do not want to make simple syrup, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each shot, just know that the shots won't taste as good because the sugar will drop to the bottom of the glass.
Don't buy simple syrup from a store. This is a waste of your money.
To make your own simple syrup, combine a ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup water and simmer over low heat in a small saucepot until sugar dissolves. This shouldn't take more than five minutes.
Store leftover simple syrup in a covered container in the fridge. It will last for up to a month. Use to make lemonade or to stir in coffee or tea as a sweetener.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 111Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 9gProtein 1g
Ellen
I absolutely love this lemon drop shot! The citrusy kick of the lemon juice combined with the sweetness of the sugar and vodka makes this my new favorite!
Jessica
Oh yum! Def going to gram lemons for this drink from our trees. They are all fruiting so much right now. And you're so right - gotta make the simple syrup yourself. It's so easy and way cheaper than buying from the store. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sharon
These lemon drop shots are awesome! We did a test run this weekend and loved them. Can't wait to feature these for our BBQ next week for the 4th. Oh, and yes to Tito's! It is our fave too.
Rachna
My lemon tree has yielded so many lemons. This recipe came in handy. The lemon shot was a hit with my friends.
Shilpa
Loved these lemon shots! and that sugar-dipped lemon slice is such an amazing idea. It’s going to be the highlight of our next gathering.
Jenn
I had a couple extra lemons around, and I figured I would make some of these for my friends. It was a big hit, and we all loved the tart-sweet lemon flavour! Thanks!
Anne
Loved this, it was tart and sweet! It was a fun way to start the evening, and so quick to make.