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A Lemon Drop Shot in a glass with a sugar rim, and a sugared lemon wedge on the side.
Scotty Boxa

Lemon Drop Shot

5 from 1 vote
Ready to liven up your next shindig with something that hits harder than a kangaroo on espresso? Enter the Lemon Drop Shot, a zesty little firecracker that tastes like summer holidays, bad decisions, and a lemon lolly all rolled into one. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, sour, and “where’d my pants go?” With simple ingredients and a punchy flavor profile, this Lemon Drop Shot recipe is your one-way ticket to citrus-fueled chaos in the best way possible. In the great Aussie party playbook, this one’s filed under: "Guaranteed good times and slightly fuzzy memories."
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 3/4 Shot Vodka
  • 1/4 Shot Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Sugar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Glass:
  1. Add sugar to the rim of a shot glass and drop a cube or packet of sugar into the bottom of the glass.
Combine Ingredients:
  1. Pour vodka and lemon juice into a stainless steel shaker over ice.
Shake Well:
  1. Shake until completely cold.
Strain and Serve:
  1. Pour into the prepared shot glass.
Enjoy:
  1. Serve immediately and enjoy your tart and sweet Lemon Drop Shot.

Video

Notes

The Story Behind the Shot The Lemon Drop Shot is a descendant of the famous Lemon Drop Martini, a cocktail that originated in San Francisco in the 1970s. The drink became a club and bar staple, but it was in the early 90s that the shot version exploded in popularity. Its name is a direct and playful tribute to the sour and sweet hard candies that inspired it.
Tips for a Perfect Shot
  • Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for this recipe. Bottled lemon juice will give the drink a flat, artificial flavor.
  • The Sugared Lemon Chaser: The most fun part of the shot is the chaser. Sucking on the sugared lemon wedge after the shot cuts the alcohol and leaves you with a delicious sweet-and-sour sensation.
  • Make It a Pitcher: You can easily make a big batch of these shots for a party. Just combine the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and chill. Then, rim your glasses and pour when you're ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Is this a very strong shot? No, the Lemon Drop Shot is a mild, dessert-style shot. The balance of lemon and sugar makes it very easy to drink, but it is a potent shooter, so it should be consumed responsibly.
  • What does a Lemon Drop Shot taste like? It’s a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It tastes like a very concentrated, slightly boozy lemonade, with a zesty kick from the fresh lemon.
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Calories: 94
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
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Cheers Mate!
Your ultimate cocktail playbook. Over 100 drinks that’ll make you the life of the party (or at least your own kitchen).

weets & Treats Dessert Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring cupcakes and ice cream
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Sweets & Treats
Boozy desserts + classic indulgence = pure chaos in the best way. No-bake cheats, rich bakes, and grown-up sweets you won’t want to share.

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More Bad Decisions From Behind the Bar

I’m Scotty Boxa. Australian author, professional bad decision maker, and the bloke responsible for the rest of this website.

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