Lemon Drop Shot
The Lemon Drop Shot is a classic party starter, beloved for its candy-like flavor that mimics the confection of the same name. It combines chilled vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener, creating an intensely refreshing sweet-and-tart experience. Typically served in a shot glass with a sugared rim, the ritual often involves taking the shot and then immediately biting into a sugar-coated lemon wedge. This final step enhances the citrus burst and makes it a memorable and interactive drink.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Lemon Drop Shot is classified as a shot, a small alcoholic drink intended to be consumed quickly. It falls into the modern category, having gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century as a party-oriented drink. It's a staple in bars and clubs known for its fun and interactive nature.
Serving
This is a small drink served very cold in a shot glass with a characteristic sugared rim. The alcohol content is moderate for a mixed shot, making it more approachable than a straight spirit.
Serving size
Approximately 60 ml / 2 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
Wet the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in granulated sugar.
Backstory
The Lemon Drop Shot is a direct descendant of the Lemon Drop Martini, which was invented in the 1970s by Norman Jay Hobday at his San Francisco bar, Henry Africa's. The martini was designed to taste like the popular lemon drop candy. As drinking culture evolved, the core concept was simplified into a quick, potent shot format, which surged in popularity during the 1990s and 2000s, becoming a nightlife staple.
Origin
The shot version originated in the United States, likely becoming popular in the 1990s. It evolved from the Lemon Drop Martini, which was created in San Francisco in the 1970s. The shot simplified the recipe for faster service in high-volume bars and clubs.
Lemon Drop Shot
The drink is most commonly known as the Lemon Drop Shot, often shortened to simply a "Lemon Drop" when ordered at a bar. The name directly references its core flavor profile and its inspiration, the Lemon Drop candy. There are no other significant alternative names for this popular shot.
Original name
Lemon Drop Shot
Alternative name
Lemon Drop
Characteristics overview
This shot delivers a powerful punch of sweet and sour lemon flavor with a fresh citrus aroma. Its smooth texture and clean, sugary finish make it a refreshingly vibrant experience suitable for any time of year.
Flavor
Lemony, sweet, tart, citrusy, sugary
Aroma
Fresh lemon, sharp citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, sharp, sugary, short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Cloudy, pale yellow, translucent
Texture
Smooth, liquid, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, vibrant
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is defined by a strong and delightful clash between high sweetness and high sourness, driven by intense lemon fruitiness. Alcohol presence is mild, and the drink is completely still and non-creamy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The core ingredients are simply citrus vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to balance the tartness. Fresh juice is crucial for the bright, zesty flavor that defines the shot.
- Citrus Vodka45 ml / 1.5 ozRegular vodka can be used, but citrus-infused vodka enhances the flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for the best taste.
- Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 ozAdjust quantity to taste. Can be substituted with triple sec or another orange liqueur for more complexity.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker and a strainer. The equipment is used to quickly chill the ingredients with ice before serving.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients.
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to pour the chilled liquid without ice.
Instructions
The process is simple: prepare a sugar-rimmed shot glass, shake the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, and strain into the glass. Serve with a sugared lemon wedge for the full experience.
1. Prepare the shot glass. Run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it into a plate of granulated sugar to create a sugar rim. Set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
3. Add the citrus vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared sugar-rimmed shot glass.
6. Serve immediately, typically with a sugar-coated lemon wedge on the side.
Garnishing
A sugared rim is the primary garnish, providing sweetness with every sip. The shot is traditionally accompanied by a sugar-dusted lemon wedge to be eaten immediately after.
- Sugar rim: Moisten the rim of a shot glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into a plate of granulated sugar.
- Lemon wedge: A small wedge of lemon, often coated in sugar, served on the side to be bitten into after the shot.
Dietary Information
This drink is inherently free of caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. Use a corn or potato-based vodka for a certified gluten-free option, and ensure white sugar is bone-char free for a strictly vegan recipe.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This shot is moderately caloric, with most calories coming from the vodka and a significant sugar content from the simple syrup and sugared rim. The carbohydrate count reflects this added sweetness.
Calories
averagely 120 kcal / 502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 10g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 9g
Sugar level
Occasions
This shot is perfectly suited for high-energy social gatherings like parties, club nights, and celebrations. Its fun, interactive nature makes it a popular choice for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or any event calling for a festive and lively mood.
- Party
- Celebration
- Night Out
- Bachelorette Party
Pairing suggestions
As a party shot, the Lemon Drop is not typically paired with food. However, its sweet and sour profile can cut through salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn, making them a suitable accompaniment at a social gathering.
- Salty snacks
- Party appetizers
The Zesty Fun of the Lemon Drop Shot
The Lemon Drop Shot is a universally loved party drink that brilliantly captures the taste of lemon drop candy. Its success lies in the simple yet perfect harmony of sweet and sour, delivered in a fun, interactive package. Made by shaking vodka, lemon juice, and sweetener, it's served cold in a sugar-rimmed glass. The final act of biting into a sugared lemon wedge makes it more than just a drink; it's a memorable, zesty experience.