Do you love candy as much as you love cocktails? Well, this Lemon Drop Shot is a cool and tangy burst of both worlds.
I grew up a candy fanatic. Runts, Nerds, Bottle Caps, Blow Pops, Gobstoppers… there wasn’t a sugary confection I met that I didn’t like. Actually, that’s not true. Was never wild about banana Runts. And for some reason, every single box of them was awash in little miniature bananas. I still ate them, however. On a Friday night during my teenage years, I was probably playing video games, drinking Cherry Coke and eating candy and ice cream. Decades later, and after a number of dental procedures, I’ve finally weaned myself off of what used to be one of my favorite pastimes.
What does this have to do with the recipe we’re making tonight? Quite a bit, actually. The Lemon Drop Shot is a single shooter version of the popular and tart Lemon Drop Martini, which in turn has its origins in the classic Lemon Drop hard candy. This particular treat was created in England, after candy makers discovered that if you added lemon juice to boiling sugar it kept it from crystallizing. Since then, the Lemon Drop candy has been a childhood mainstay for generations.
And if you look back a little further, to the year 1806, we’ll find the precursor to the Lemon Drop, a candy curiously named the Salem Gibraltar. Evolving from medical throat lozenges, the Gibraltar is a hard confection that is basically sugar, water and flavoring, such as peppermint, vanilla, etc. and is still being sold today. But since we’re not discussing a Salem Gibraltar cocktail, let’s get back to the Lemon Drop Shot.
All you need to make this tart and tangy liquid treat is some vodka, lemon juice and sugar. You’ll also want to have some nice lemon wedges cut up and ready. You’ll be coating your sliced fruit with sugar, so after you slam one or two of these it’s customary to give the sweetened lemon a healthy suck. Similar to having a tequila shot with a salted lime wedge, this is more in line with the candy-flavored aspect of the drink. If you find this to be a little too sweet, adjust how much sugar you use. Sometimes making any cocktail or specialty shot is a matter of trial and error. Every recipe we have can always be modified to find your preferred flavor.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Lemon Drop Shot?
You’ll want a crisp and clean-tasting vodka for your Lemon Drop Shot. Different brands and styles will offer varying experiences, so if you already have a favorite, definitely go with that. If you’re unsure or just want a recommendation, try a Japanese Nikka Coffey distilled spirit. Despite the name, there is no coffee involved. It refers to the distillation process, which is an old Scottish method. I’ve never run across a cleaner and smoother vodka before, and whenever I mix it up in a cocktail it takes on the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to accentuate them. If you find a bottle at your local liquor store, pick it up and give it a try.
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce vodka
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons white sugar divided
- 1 lemon wedge
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine 3/4 fluid ounce of vodka with 3/4 fluid ounce of lemon juice.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sugar over the mixture in the shot glass.
- Pour the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar onto a small plate.
- Cut a lemon into wedges and dip one wedge into the sugar on the plate.
- Serve the shot with the sugared lemon wedge. After taking the shot, bite into the sugared lemon wedge for a burst of sweet and sour flavor.
Nutrition
What kind of glass and garnish is used?
You’ll need a shot glass along with a little plate to keep your sugar and lemon wedges on.
What is the difference between a Lemon Drop Shot and a Lemon Drop Martini?
Serving size aside, the Lemon Drop Martini includes triple sec in its recipe, while the shot does not.
Similar Shots to the Lemon Drop
When planning your next party, celebration or get-together, it’s always a good idea to have some libations on hand. Cocktails, wine and beer are the usual people-pleasers, but shots are also a fun option and not just for college kids anymore. Twist & Toast has some tasty and powerful shooters you can serve at your next soirée to keep things interesting. Try some of these out with your friends and see where the night takes you.
- Cherry Bomb Shot – Sweet and strong, this energy drink and vodka-based mixture will keep you dancing until the sun comes up.
- Washington Apple Shot – This apple-flavored shooter will keep your whiskey-loving friends happy.
- Jello Shot – There’s always room for Jello, especially when liquor is involved.
- Cement Mixer – Offer these at your next party and watch everybody try to talk afterwards.
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