Lemon Drop Shot

A Lemon Drop Shot is a simple cocktail shot made with Absolut Citron, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, served in 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, it’s one of those shots that never goes out of style. Sweet, sour and simple. Whether you’re new to bartending or well practiced, the Lemon Drop Shot is always a good call.

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.

It’s widely believed that the Lemon Drop Martini was invented in the 1970s by a bartender who worked at an upscale bar in San Francisco that opened in 1969. 

Initially served in a cocktail glass, it later gained popularity as a shot, with the Lemon Drop Shot becoming a favorite among partygoers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The truth is, I’ve made these during the holidays and they were a massive success. In other words, you can never go wrong with a Lemon Drop Shot, no matter the occasion.

Today, the Lemon Drop Shot remains one of the world’s most beloved shots.

A shot this good doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s how to ensure the best-tasting Lemon Drop Shot.

• 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 a 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.

• Lemon Drop Martini
  The original that inspired the shot. Our Lemon Drop Martini recipe consists of Absolut Citron, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup, which is then shaken, strained, and poured into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. 
  
  The two are very similar ingredient-wise except the Lemon Drop Martini includes triple sec whereas the shot does not. Yet taste-wise, the drinking experience is quite different, with the Martini version being sweeter and softer. Learn how to make the best Lemon Drop Martini.
• Basil Lemon Drop Martini
  Now here’s a fantastic Lemon Drop Martini variation you’ve got to try. Trust us! There’s something about the combination of basil and lemon. Mmm, mmm.
  
  Want to make it? Follow the recipe for Lemon Drop Martini and then add 20 ml (3/4 part) of orange curaçao and some fresh basil leaves.

• Lemon Drop Jello Shots
  A playful alternative to the regular Lemon Drop Shot, this involves creating a jello and Lemon Drop mixture, and setting in hollowed out lemon halves.
  
  Once cooled and solidified, you can cut the halves into quarters so your jello shots sit within their own bite-size wedge. A great addition to any summer party!

Serve the Lemon Drop Shot in a sugar-rimmed shot glass with a lemon wedge on the side. The classic way is the classic way for a reason.