Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
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."
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Ingredients Method Nutrition 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.04gFat: 0.04gSodium: 0.5mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.01mg

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

Loved This Recipe?

You'll love my Recipe Books!
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
Grab it here

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
Snag it now

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.

You Might also like these Recipes

Burt Reynolds Shot

Channel your inner Hollywood legend with the Burt Reynolds Shot! This smooth mix of spiced rum and butterscotch schnapps is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Liquid Marijuana Shot

Get the recipe for the Squashed Frog Shot, a unique and fun layered shooter that’s perfect for Halloween. This guide shows you how to make this ghoulishly delicious party drink.

Fruit Tingle Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Fruit Tingle, a fun and colorful cocktail that tastes just like the classic candies. This guide shows you how to make this sweet and fizzy party favorite.

Skittle Bomb Shot

Get the recipe for the Skittle Bomb Shot, a fun and energetic bomb shot that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this popular party favorite.

Jolly Rancher Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Jolly Rancher Cocktail, a vibrant and fruity drink that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this delicious, retro party favorite.

Fallen Froggie Shot

Get the recipe for the Fallen Froggie Shot, a spooky and delicious layered shooter that's perfect for Halloween. This guide will show you how to make this visually stunning drink with melon liqueur and Irish cream.

Black Opal Cocktail

Mix the elegant Black Opal Cocktail with our easy, step-by-step recipe! Featuring black vodka and Chambord, this striking dark drink is perfect for impressing guests. Get the full guide!

White Russian Cocktail

Vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, ice. Three ingredients, one big rocks glass, the drink The Dude built a personality around.

The Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Irish Trash Can, a potent and vibrant green party drink that’s a wild mix of six spirits and a can of energy drink. This guide shows you how to make this classic party starter.

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.

If this recipe made you laugh, you’ll like the rest of what I do. I write books that are mostly true stories about cocktails, travel, and the disasters that come with both. If you want a starter pack, grab the free PDF below. No email required, just take it.