After a full week of hard drinks, you deserve to treat yourself with these Lemon Drop Shots. They are easy to make, refreshing, and beyond delicious. This is one of the first shot recipes I learned to make at home, and I still make it once every weekend.

This drink requires only 3 ingredients and has never failed to bring a smile to my guests’ faces whenever I serve it. I mean, how could they not? It is totally irresistible on any day of the week. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can make it right now as you are reading this article.
If you are a fan of mixing drinks that require minimal labor, then this is for you. You do not have to strictly follow the steps, and you can personalize it according to your taste preference. Remember, you are the master of your own drinks. I will also share some final garnish ideas to experiment with this drink.
If you are a vodka lover then this classic vodka recipe has to be in your radar. I am confident that you will agree once you learn how to make this which is extremely easy. So pick up your favourite lemons, a bottle of vodka and get started.
Equipment Required
- Shot Glass: I am using a shot glass for the shot aesthetic, but you can serve it in any glass.
- Pitcher: I am using a pitcher to make this drink for combining all the ingredients.
- Spoon: To add the ingredients, I am keeping my handy dandy spoon with me.
- Plate: I am using a medium-sized plate to spread the sugar before final plating.

Lemon Drop Shots Ingredients & Substitution
Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve upto 1 person. You can increase or decrease the quantities as required for more or fewer portions.
- ¾ Fluid Ounce Vodka (Such As Absolut)
- ¾ Fluid Ounce Lemon Juice: I am using store-bought lemon juice, but you can also extract the juice from a fresh lemon to make this drink.
- 2½ Teaspoons White Sugar, Divided, Or More To Taste:
- 1 Lemon, Cut Into Wedges: I am using this, but you can also use lemon peels to garnish the final drink.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes |
How To Make Lemon Drop Shots At Home

Step 1
Firstly, take a shot glass.

Step 2
Combine vodka and lemon juice in it followed by drizzling sugar (1/2 teaspoon) over top.

Step 3
Take a small plate and spread the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar on it.

Step 4
The lemon wedges are to be coated into the sugar neatly.

Step 5
Gulp down the shot and add more flavour to it by sucking the sugared lemon wedge.
- Firstly, take a shot glass.
- Combine vodka and lemon juice in it followed by drizzling sugar (1/2 teaspoon) over top.
- Take a small plate and spread the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar on it.
- The lemon wedges are to be coated into the sugar neatly.
- Gulp down the shot and add more flavour to it by sucking the sugared lemon wedge.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Lemon Drop Shots taste best when the ingredients are chilled. Hence, I like to refrigerate the ingredients beforehand so that the final drink is chilled.
- This drink recipe can be easily personalized by changing the vodka flavour. You can use citrusy-based vodka for a sour profile or raspberry for a sweeter profile.
- For best results, I always use fresh lime and fresh lime juice because they make a world of difference.
- I am not using any sweetener here, but you can add sweeteners as per your preference to balance out the citrusy effect and vodka flavour a little bit.
- To experiment a little more you can cover the rim of the glass with citrusy zest instead of sugar to highlight the zesty flavour even more.
FAQs About Lemon Drop Shots
Nutritional Information Per Serving
If you are in your healthy era, these lemon drop shots are a good, healthy option to try out. This is low in calories and fat making it a perfect drink to enjoy frequently. To get a detailed idea have a look at the nutritional chart below:
| Calories | 116 kcal |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Sugar | 11 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 94 mg |
| Calcium | 68 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 185 mg |
Not only this, other good things about lemon drop shots is that it is completely vegan, soy free, nut free, dairy free and gluten free. Hence people following those diets can have this without any restrictions. However, people who follow a keto diet or non alcoholic diet need to make certain modifications first.

Storing & Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Counter Top: Lemon drop shots taste the best right away so I don’t leave them on the counter top for long
- Refrigeration: If you want to make Lemon drop shots ahead oftime then you can combine the drinks and store it in an air tight container. This stays fresh for at least 2 days in the fridge.However, avoid storing readymade drinks in the fridge as overtime it gets diluted. Also the rimmed glasses will combine with the drink altering the taste of it.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing your Lemon drop shots but if you do then you can serve it as a slushy instead. Mix all the drinks together, pour it into ice cube trays, freeze it and store it for later. When you are ready to drink it, serve it as a slushy and enjoy.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Now that your lemon drop shots are ready you might be wondering what you should serve it with? Well this drink can be served with appetizers like Devilled Eggs or Bruschetta.
Cheese dips and platters also compliment lemon drop shots really well. For a contrast flavour you can try it out with fried shrimp, oysters, crispy Chicken or potato balls. This is a perfect snack idea for any time of the day.
On the other hand if you want to keep the lemon flavours alive then you can have this with lemon tarts, lemon cake , lemon bars or lemon meringue. If you enjoy fruits then slice some strawberries, raspberries or grapes to refresh your palate.
Printable Version
Lemon Drop Shots Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ Fluid Ounce Vodka Such As Absolut®
- ¾ Fluid Ounce Lemon Juice
- 2½ Teaspoons White Sugar
- 1 Lemon Cut Into Wedges
Equipment
- Shot Glass
- Picther
- Spoon
- Plate
Instructions
- Firstly, take a shot glass.
- Combine vodka and lemon juice in it followed by drizzling sugar (1/2 teaspoon) over top.
- Take a small plate and spread the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar on it.
- The lemon wedges are to be coated into the sugar neatly.
- Gulp down the shot and add more flavour to it by sucking the sugared lemon wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
More Drink Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
So now you know what to do when life gives you lemons? I have served this to so many of my guests and none of them has ever turned it down. This is easy to make and one of a kind. For people who love lemons like me this will definitely be a crowd pleaser.
So, now instead of splurging your money on fancy wines, hop on and make this drink. Just combine your favourite vodka with lemons and sugar and you are good to go. Try it out and you will be amazed with how simple it actually is. After taking a sip, come back and let me know how it turned out because I am sure there is no way you won’t enjoy it!





