• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Homebody Eats
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dish
  • Entertaining
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • About
  • Start a Food Blog
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Shop Courses & Cookbooks
  • Italian Cooking Retreat
  • Contact
  • About
×
Homebody Eats » Recipes » Vodka

Lemon Drop Shots (3 Ingredients)

Published: May 5, 2023 by Jessica Mode · This content may include affiliate links.

2857 shares
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

In less than 5 minutes, you can have a lemon drop shot that not only goes down easy but tastes like your favorite sour candy. With only 3 ingredients, what more could you ask for in a shot?

four lemon drop shots on a serving tray.

Want To Save This Article?

Enter your email below and we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll receive new weekly recipe inspiration.

Save this Article

This super simple and fun lemon drop shot recipe is perfect for a party or a night out. Not only are they tasty, but these lemon drop shooters are super simple and pretty inexpensive since they use vodka.

In just 5 minutes, you can have a perfectly balanced sweet and tart shot!

Don't forget to check out this lemon drop martini cocktail for an upscale version of these same flavors. You can think of it almost as a lemon drop drink.

Jump to:
  • What You'll Learn In This Recipe
  • Best Shot Recipes: 50 recipes in one guide
  • What Is A Lemon Drop Shot?
  • Ingredients You Need
  • How To Make This Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Shot Recipes
  • Lemon Drop Shots (3 Ingredients)

What You'll Learn In This Recipe

  • How to make a smooth and easy-to-drink shot that everyone will love.
  • An easy, homemade simple syrup recipe.
  • The importance of shaking drinks that use lemon juice.

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out 50 more delicious shot recipes to learn about many more varieties of shots.

Best Shot Recipes: 50 recipes in one guide

Want a free guide with all your favorite alcoholic shots? Grab the ultimate cheat sheet for all your bartending needs!

    ​

    What Is A Lemon Drop Shot?

    According to the Oxford Companion To Spirits & Cocktails, the lemon drop cocktail was first created in the 1970s by Norman Hobday. The upscale cocktail was known for the use of premium spirits and freshly squeezed juice. 

    This cocktail very quickly became a staple at the legendary bar, Harry Denton’s Starlight Room. Later on, this cocktail was developed into a lemon drop shot. 

    Ingredients You Need

    lemon drop shot ingredients with labels.

    Vodka: This recipe just requires a generic, unflavored vodka. Any brand will do for this recipe (Tito's, Absolut, or Grey Goose). I would not suggest using citrus vodka as it makes the shot too tart. Learn more about this spirit in my beginner's vodka guide. 

    Freshly squeezed lemon juice: As you may have guessed, all the flavor in this shot comes from the lemon juice. Use fresh lemons for the juice so the shots taste super fresh. However, bottled lemon juice will also work in a pinch.

    Simple syrup: This ingredient is necessary to balance out the tartness of the lemon. You can purchase simple syrup, or make your own.

    To make your own simple syrup, use a one-to-one ratio of granulated sugar to water. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until all the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Now you have your syrup!

    Be sure to allow the syrup to come down to room temperature or colder before using. This will ensure that your lemon drop shooters are nice and cold.

    Granulated sugar/lemon wedge: These ingredients are completely optional but provide the perfect, easy way to spice up the shot glasses with a sugar rim.

    Check out the recipe card below for the full details on the ingredient quantities.

    How To Make This Recipe

    Now that you have all the information you need to know about the ingredients, let's learn how to make these lemon drop shots.

    Garnish The Cocktail Glasses

    two numbered photos showing how to rim a shot glass in sugar.

    1. First, add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to a shallow plate. Use a lemon wedge to wet the rim of each of the four shot glasses.

    2. Once coated with a thin layer of lemon juice, dip the rim of the glass into the sugar, turning the glass as you go to get a nice even coating.

    One tip to level up your cocktail game: Never get sugar on the inside of the rim of your shot glass, just the outside.

    When sugar is on the inside of the rim, there's a chance that it could slide into the drink and mess up the consistency or flavor.

    Plus, the act of rimming just the outside of the glass is classier and more professional - a great way to show off to your guests!

    Shake Up Your Shots

    two numbered shots pouring vodka into a cocktail shaker and straining a lemon drop shot.

    3. To shake up your shots, combine vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled partway with ice. Shake vigorously until everything is nice and chilled.

    When making cocktails or other alcoholic drinks that use sugar, egg whites, cream, or, as in this case, citrus, it is essential to shake the drink.

    Shaking these ingredients helps develop a lighter, frothy, consistency in your drink. Moreover, when it comes to citrus, shaking helps bring out the aromatics in the citrus, giving your drink a more intense flavor.

    4. Lastly, pour the mixture into four, 2-ounce shot glasses.

    This recipe is great because it yields 4 shots, making it perfect for any number of events, from large parties to small dinner parties and everything in between.

    Finally, you can take the same lemon slices used to help rim the glass and use it as a garnish, just like they are displayed in the picture.

    If you want, the lemon wedge used for this part could also be used as a chaser for these lemon drop shots. You likely won’t need this though because these shots are incredibly smooth. 

    Expert Tips

    • If you don't like sweet shots, you can reduce the amount of simple syrup in the recipe. The simple syrup helps balance out the tartness from the lemon.
    • However, if you want a sweeter shot, add more simple syrup!
    • Try a different kind of vodka to switch up the flavor of this shot. Try strawberry or orange for some fun variations.
    • Want to make a big batch of lemon drop shots? Grab a pitcher and mix all the ingredients directly in the pitcher. When you're ready to serve, shake up just enough in a cocktail shaker to get a nice, chilled shot. You can easily increase the recipe by scaling up the ingredients on the recipe card below.
    • Mix up this shot by switching the vodka with equal parts of your favorite blanco tequila.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make lemon drop shots ahead of time?

    Yes, if you're hosting a party and need to prep ahead of time, simply grab a pitcher and mix all the ingredients directly in the pitcher. When you're ready to serve, shake up just enough in a cocktail shaker to get a nice, chilled shot.

    What is the best vodka to use for lemon drop shots?

    The best brand of vodka is up to you and your personal taste preference. Not one brand of vodka is considered the best.

    My personal go-to's are Tito's or Ketel One. With this being said, I would not recommend using Citron vodka because this will make the lemon drop shooters extremely tart. If you prefer a tart drink, try it out and see if you like it!

    Are lemon drop shots strong?

    Not particularly. This recipe has a little under 1 ounce of vodka per shot. These shots go down smoothly because they have a good ratio of alcohol to lemon juice and simple syrup to sweeten things up.

    four lemon drop shots on a serving tray.

    More Shot Recipes

    I've got many other mixed drink recipes, shots, and cocktail recipes you're going to love to make for your next party:

    • espresso martini shots on a wooden tray.
      Espresso Martini Shots (4 Ingredients)
    • four Vegas bomb shots in rocks glasses.
      Vegas Bomb (4 Ingredients)
    • four white tea shots in rocks glasses.
      White Tea Shots (4 Ingredients)
    • four green tea shots in rocks glasses.
      Green Tea Shots (4 Ingredients)

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more recipes.

    lemon drop shots with a lemon wedge garnish.

    Lemon Drop Shots (3 Ingredients)

    In less than 5 minutes, you can have a lemon drop shot that not only goes down easy but tastes like your favorite sour candy. With only 3 ingredients, what more could you ask for in a shot?
    Author: Jessica Mode
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Active Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 two ounce (60 ml) shots
    Calories 91 kcal

    Equipment

    • 4 two ounce shot glasses
    • cocktail shaker
    • Hawthorne strainer

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for garnish (optional)
    • 3 ounces vodka
    • 2.5 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 ounces simple syrup
    • lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to a shallow plate. Run a lemon wedge along the rim of four shot glasses. Dip the rim of the glass into sugar, turning the glass as you go to ensure an even coating.
    • Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled partway with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled, about 15 seconds.
    • Strain shots with a hawthorne strainer into the prepared shot glasses.
    • Optionally, garnish each shot with a lemon wedge.

    Notes

    Optionally, reduce the amount of simple syrup for a less sweet shot.
    Want to make a big batch of lemon drop shots? Increase the quantity of ingredients in the recipe card. Then, grab a pitcher and mix all the ingredients directly in the pitcher. When you're ready to serve, shake up just enough in a cocktail shaker to get a nice, chilled shot.
    For a unique-tasting lemon drop shot, substitute the vodka for your favorite blanco tequila.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1shotCalories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.04gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Tag @homebody.eats on Instagram so we can see your creations!

    More Vodka Recipes

    • Baileys white Russian cocktail in a lowball glass.
      Baileys White Russian (3 Ingredients)
    • bottle of Ketel One vodka next to four containers with various infused vodka flavors.
      How To Infuse Vodka
    • lemon drop martini garnished with a lemon wheel.
      Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini (4 Ingredients)
    • chocolate martini garnished with chocolate shavings next to Godiva chocolate liqueur bottle.
      Godiva Chocolate Martini (5 Ingredients)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Susan Rogers

      June 04, 2023 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      The tequila substitute for vodka sounds good too,

      Reply
    2. Jason

      June 04, 2023 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      These shots were delicious! I made them for a party and they were a huge hit. They are to fresh and light!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jessica! Here, you'll find delicious & fresh recipes that will help you learn to master a new skill in the kitchen!

    More about me →

    Breakfast Recipe Ideas

    • overnight oats in a mason jar topped with strawberry.
      Chocolate Covered Strawberry Overnight Oats

    • cheesy open faced tuna with avocado.
      California Open Faced Tuna Melt

    • three chorizo tacos topped with an avocado slice laying on wooden cutting board.
      Mexican Breakfast Tacos

    • cherry smoothie topped with chocolate granola.
      Cherry Granola Smoothie

    Veggie Side Dishes

    • crispy rosemary baby potatoes in a bowl.
      Crispy Rosemary Baby Potatoes

    • roasted brussel sprouts topped with balsamic glaze and parmesan cheese.
      Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze (4 Ingredients)

    • blue cheese and almond green beans.
      Almond and Blue Cheese Green Beans

    • garlic cauliflower mash garnished with panko and chives.
      Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Mash

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Us

    Learn About Us
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility Statement
    Disclaimer
    Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    Sign Up for weekly emails and updates

    Contact

    Contact Us
    Shop Courses & Products
    Work With Us

    As an LTK & Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Homebody Eats®

    four lemon drop shots with text overlay.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.