Lemon Drop Shot

A Lemon Drop Shot is a chilled vodka shot made with three ingredients – Absolut Citron, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup – shaken and strained into a sugar-rimmed shot glass.

A mini, concentrated version of the Lemon Drop Martini, created to replicate the sweet, zingy flavor of the classic lemon drop candy. Sweet, sour and simple, the Lemon Drop Shot is always a good call, whether you’re new to bartending or well practiced.

True to its name, the Lemon Drop Shot tastes like the classic lemon drop candy – tart, sweet and citrusy. Fresh squeezed lemon juice and Absolut Citron hit first, sharp and bright, before the simple syrup pulls it back into balance. The sugar-coated rim ties it all together, softening the citrus edge with every sip.

And because it’s a shot, every one of those flavors is concentrated – nothing diluted, nothing wasted.

The Lemon Drop Martini was created in the 1970s at an upscale San Francisco bar that had opened in 1969, during a period when vodka was surging in popularity.

Originally served in a cocktail glass, it later evolved into shot format – the Lemon Drop Shot quickly becoming a favorite at parties, celebrations and holidays around the world.

It remains one of the most popular shots today. Once you’ve made one, it’s easy to see why.

The Lemon Drop Shot rewards a few small details.

• Chill your sugar-rimmed shot glass
  Once you’ve rubbed a lemon wedge around the rim of your shot glass and dipped it in caster sugar, place the glass in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before serving. A chilled glass keeps the shot cold and the sugar rim crisp – two things worth getting right.
• Double strain
  Shake the Lemon Drop, then double strain it into the shot glass rather than using a Hawthorne strainer alone.As Rico explains, “because we’re making shots, we want the most intense flavor straight away. If we were to just pour it straight in, we would have all these bits of ice shards that would sit in the glass. Even though it’s a shot, you don’t want anything to dilute the drink.” Here’s how to double strain and why it matters.
• Use quality ingredients
  With only three ingredients, every one of them counts. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled – the difference is immediate – and reach for Absolut Citron for a clean, lemon-flavored vodka base.

• Lemon Drop Martini
  The original that inspired the Lemon Drop Shot – Absolut Citron, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup, shaken and strained into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. The key difference is the triple sec, which gives the Martini a sweeter, softer character than the shot. Learn how to make the best Lemon Drop Martini.
• Basil Lemon Drop Martini
  Follow the Lemon Drop Martini recipe and add 20ml of orange curaçao and a few fresh basil leaves. The herbal, aromatic notes of basil bring an unexpected depth to the citrus – definitely worth your attention.
• Lemon Drop Jello Shots
  A playful take on the classic – the same Lemon Drop mixture set as jello in hollowed out lemon halves, then cut into quarters so each jello shot sits within its own bite-size wedge. A natural addition to any summer party.

Glassware
The Lemon Drop shot should be served in a a shot glass – sugar-rimmed. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in caster sugar before serving. For the best result, place the rimmed glass in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before pouring.

Garnish
A lemon wedge on the side of the shot glass. The classic way is the classic way for a reason.

How to Make Lemon Drop Shots for a Crowd
Making a tray of Lemon Drop Shots for a party is the single-serve recipe scaled up. Mix Absolut Citron, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup in a pitcher at the same 2:2:1 ratio and keep it chilled.

Rim and sugar your shot glasses in advance so you can shake and pour to order.

One rule: batch the liquid, pour fresh. Pre-poured shots lose their crisp sugar rim and bright citrus edge and both matter.