Holiday Lemon Drop Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi
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Introduction

The Holiday Lemon Drop is a bright, refreshing cocktail perfect for festive gatherings or any time you want a zesty treat. Combining tart lemon juice with smooth vodka and a touch of sweetness, it’s easy to make and delightful to sip.

A clear glass filled with pale yellow lemonade and ice cubes, topped with a thin round slice of lemon floating on the surface; the rim of the glass is coated with a salt layer, adding texture and a white contrast to the glass edge. The glass sits on a white plate with a brown rim, which holds two lemon wedges beside the glass, all set on a white marbled surface with several whole lemons in the background, creating a fresh and bright scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • Sugar for rimming the glass
  • Lemon twist or wheel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Start by preparing your glass. Take a lemon wedge and run it around the rim of a chilled cocktail glass.
  2. Step 2: Dip the rim of the glass into sugar to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside.
  3. Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
  4. Step 4: Fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid tightly.
  5. Step 5: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  6. Step 6: Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel on the rim of the glass for a festive touch.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Holiday Lemon Drop!

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh lemon juice every time for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • For a sweeter cocktail, add a little more simple syrup to taste.
  • Try swapping vodka with gin for a different botanical twist.
  • Chill your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before preparing the drink to keep it cooler longer.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to prepare it in advance, mix the ingredients (without ice), refrigerate up to 24 hours, then shake with ice and strain just before serving. Avoid storing after shaking to keep it fresh and lively.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass filled with light yellow lemonade and ice cubes. The glass rim is covered with white coarse salt. On top of the drink, there is a thin lemon slice floating. The glass is placed inside a round white plate with a brown edge, and next to it are two lemon wedges. The background is white marbled, and there are whole lemons partially visible in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Holiday Lemon Drop?

Yes, substitute the vodka and triple sec with lemon-flavored sparkling water or a non-alcoholic citrus mixer, and keep the lemon juice and simple syrup for balance.

What is simple syrup and how do I make it?

Simple syrup is a sweet liquid made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using. It blends easily into cold drinks.

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Holiday Lemon Drop Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
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Description

The Holiday Lemon Drop is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that combines the crisp flavors of vodka, fresh lemon juice, and triple sec with a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. Perfectly rimmed with sugar and garnished with a lemon twist, this drink offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet notes, making it an ideal festive beverage for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cocktail

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • Ice

For Garnish

  • Sugar for rimming the glass
  • Lemon twist or wheel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Glass: Take a lemon wedge and run it around the rim of a chilled cocktail glass to moisten it.
  2. Sugar Rim: Dip the rim of the glass into sugar to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside to allow the sugar to adhere properly.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
  4. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and secure the lid tightly to prevent spills.
  5. Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the drink is thoroughly chilled and well mixed.
  6. Strain: Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared, sugar-rimmed glass to separate the ice from the drink.
  7. Garnish: Add a lemon twist or wheel on the rim of the glass for a festive and aromatic touch.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its freshest and most refreshing state.

Notes

  • Ensure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of simple syrup according to your taste preference.
  • You can chill the cocktail glass in the freezer before preparing for an extra frosty drink.
  • Use quality vodka and triple sec for a smoother, more balanced cocktail.
  • This recipe makes one cocktail; multiply ingredients accordingly for more servings.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Holiday Lemon Drop, lemon drop cocktail, vodka cocktail, festive drink, lemon cocktail, simple syrup cocktail

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