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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.

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.