The Best Homemade Lemon Drop Drink Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This zesty lemon drop drink is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s super easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, so you can enjoy it in no time. First, it’s incredibly invigorating, with a bright citrus flavor that’s perfect for warm days or as a pick-me-up. Second, you can customize it to your taste, adding more sweetness or tartness as you like. Finally, it’s a fun and impressive drink to serve at parties, guaranteed to make your guests smile.
Recipe

Nothing beats the invigorating zing of a homemade Lemon Drop cocktail. This classic drink is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it an ideal choice for parties or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon twist or wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass by running a lemon wedge around the edge and dipping it into sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge.
Notes:
For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or reduce the simple syrup. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
1 serving
Nutrition
This lemon drop drink is invigorating and easy to make. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade lemon drop drink with light, tangy desserts like lemon bars or a zesty cheesecake for a perfect match. If I’m in the mood for something savory, I’ll grab some salty snacks like pretzels or nuts to balance the drink’s sweetness. For a fancier vibe, I sometimes serve it alongside an invigorating cucumber margarita or a crisp gin fizz.
Desserts and Snacks
When I’m sipping on an invigorating lemon drop, I love pairing it with something that’s sweet but not too heavy, so it doesn’t compete with the drink’s zesty flavor. Light, citrusy desserts like lemon bars or shortbread cookies work perfectly—they complement the tang without overpowering it. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a few fresh berries add a revitalizing touch. If I’m craving something savory, I’ll go for crispy crackers with herbed goat cheese, which balances the drink’s brightness. The key is keeping it simple, letting the lemon drop shine while the snacks play a supporting role.
Cocktail Pairings
Since a lemon drop’s bright, tangy flavor deserves the right match, I love pairing it with snacks that enhance—not overpower—its zesty kick. Light, salty bites like Parmesan crisps or herbed crackers balance the sweetness, while fresh fruit—think strawberries or melon—echoes its invigorating vibe. For something heartier, go for mini crab cakes or bruschetta; their savory notes play nicely with the citrus. If you’re leaning sweet, vanilla shortbread or lemon bars double down on the dessert-like feel. And don’t forget cheese—a creamy brie or tangy goat cheese adds richness without stealing the spotlight. Cheers to perfect pairings!