Lemon Drop Shots Recipe

Vodka: The base spirit for the shot, providing the alcoholic kick.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to give a bright, tart flavor.

Simple syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.

Lemon: Used for garnish to enhance the presentation.

Sugar: For rimming the shot glasses, adding a sweet touch to each sip.

To achieve a perfectly balanced lemon drop shot, make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that complements the vodka and simple syrup beautifully. Additionally, when rimming the shot glasses with sugar, lightly moisten the rim with a bit of lemon juice before dipping it into the sugar. This ensures the sugar adheres evenly and adds a delightful sweet contrast to the tartness of the lemon.

• vodka - Substitute with gin: Gin can provide a different botanical flavor profile that complements the citrus notes.

• vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and tartness, though with a slightly different citrus flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice provides a more complex citrus flavor with a bit of bitterness.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and has a mild flavor.

• simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup adds a floral sweetness that pairs well with citrus.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime slices offer a similar visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: Orange slices provide a sweeter, less tart garnish option.

• sugar - Substitute with salt: Salt can create a contrasting flavor profile that enhances the drink's overall taste.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor and a unique twist to the rim.

• To store your lemon drop shots, pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate. This will keep the flavors fresh and vibrant for up to 2 days.
• If you want to prepare the lemon drop shots in advance, mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup and store them in a sealed bottle in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply shake with ice and strain into shot glasses.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon drop shots. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cubes in a shaker with ice and strain into shot glasses.
• To maintain the best flavor, avoid freezing the lemon slices used for garnish. Instead, slice fresh lemons just before serving.
• If you prefer a chilled shot without diluting the flavor, freeze the vodka separately. This will keep your lemon drop shots icy cold without adding extra water from melted ice.
• Always label your containers with the date of preparation to ensure you consume them within the optimal time frame for the best taste and quality.

• Store the lemon drop shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
• When ready to reheat, pour the lemon drop shots into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is just warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor of the vodka and lemon juice.
• Alternatively, you can place the lemon drop shots in a microwave-safe container and heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir well and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating.
• Once warmed, pour the mixture back into shot glasses.
• Rim the shot glasses with sugar again if needed, and garnish with a fresh lemon slice before serving.

• Shot glasses: Small glasses used to serve the lemon drop shots.

• Shaker: A container used to mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.

• Strainer: A tool used to separate the liquid from the ice when pouring the mixture into the shot glasses.

• Lemon squeezer: A device used to extract juice from fresh lemons.

• Knife: Used to cut the lemon slices for garnish.

• Cutting board: A surface used to cut the lemon slices.

• Small plate: Used to hold the sugar for rimming the shot glasses.

• Measuring jigger: A tool used to measure the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup accurately.

• Ice: Used to chill the mixture in the shaker.

Pre-rim the glasses: Rim the shot glasses with sugar ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use bottled lemon juice: If you're in a hurry, use bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.

Batch your shots: Mix a larger quantity of vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge.

Pre-cut garnishes: Slice the lemon for garnish ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container.