Lemon Drop Shots Recipe

Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage that forms the base of the shot.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed from lemons, it provides the tangy citrus flavor.

Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, balancing the tartness of the lemon.

Lemon: A slice used for garnish, adding a visual appeal and extra citrus aroma.

Sugar: Used for rimming the glasses, it adds a sweet contrast to the tangy shot.

When rimming the shot glasses with sugar, make sure to moisten the rim with a bit of lemon juice instead of water. This will help the sugar adhere better and add an extra burst of citrus flavor to each sip.

• vodka - Substitute with gin: Gin can provide a different botanical flavor profile while maintaining the alcoholic content.

• vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum offers a slightly sweeter and tropical twist to the shot.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice adds a more complex citrus flavor with a hint 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 (honey mixed with water) adds a richer, more complex sweetness.

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

• lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: Orange slices add a slightly sweeter and more colorful garnish.

• sugar - Substitute with salt: Salt can create a contrasting flavor profile, especially if you prefer a savory touch.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar offers a caramel-like sweetness and a slightly different texture for rimming the glasses.

• Allow the lemon drop shots mixture to cool completely before storing. This ensures the flavors remain intact and the vodka doesn't lose its potency.
• Pour the prepared mixture into an airtight container. Glass bottles with tight-fitting lids are ideal for maintaining the freshness of the lemon juice and simple syrup.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The mixture can be kept for up to one week, ensuring you have ready-to-pour shots for any spontaneous gathering.
• If you wish to freeze the mixture, pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need.
• When ready to serve, thaw the frozen cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Give the mixture a good shake or stir to re-incorporate any separated ingredients.
• Always rim the shot glasses with sugar and garnish with a fresh lemon slice just before serving to maintain the vibrant presentation and taste.
• Avoid storing the garnishes with the mixture. Fresh lemon slices and sugar should be prepared right before serving to ensure they retain their texture and flavor.

• Pour the lemon drop shots mixture into a small saucepan.
• Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the simple syrup.
• Once warmed, pour back into shot glasses and garnish with a fresh lemon slice.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container to heat the mixture in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then pour into shot glasses.
• For a quick fix, place the shot glasses in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, ensuring the lemon drop shots reach a pleasant temperature.
• Always taste test before serving to ensure the lemon juice and vodka flavors remain balanced.

• 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.

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

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

• Juicer: A tool to extract fresh lemon juice.

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

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

• Spoon: Used to help rim the shot glasses with sugar.

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

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

Batch make simple syrup: Prepare a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for future use.

Pre-chill the vodka: Keep your vodka in the freezer so it's already cold when you need it.

Use a cocktail shaker with a strainer: This eliminates the need for a separate strainer, saving you time and effort.