Drop Lemon Vodka Cocktail (Printable)

Vibrant lemon and vodka blend with a touch of sweetness for a lively, refreshing summer drink.

# What You Need:

→ Spirits

01 - 1.5 fl oz vodka

→ Citrus

02 - 1 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

→ Sweetener

03 - 0.5 fl oz simple syrup

→ Garnish

04 - Lemon twist or wheel

→ Optional

05 - Granulated sugar for rimming glass
06 - Ice cubes

# How to Make It:

01 - If desired, moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into granulated sugar until coated.
02 - Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
03 - Pour vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker over the ice.
04 - Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
05 - Strain the chilled cocktail into a prepared cocktail glass.
06 - Finish by garnishing the drink with a lemon twist or wheel.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes bright and clean without being fussy—the kind of drink that makes you feel sophisticated while barely lifting a finger.
  • Fresh lemon juice is the star here, so when you actually squeeze it yourself instead of using that bottled stuff, you'll taste why it matters.
  • The balance between tartness and sweetness feels effortless, like someone who knows what they're doing designed it with you in mind.
02 -
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable; bottled juice will make this taste like a convenience store cocktail instead of something you actually care about.
  • The ice melts into the shaker during shaking, which is exactly what you want—it chills everything down and dilutes the drink just enough to soften the raw alcohol bite and let the flavors blend.
  • Simple syrup dissolves instantly in cold liquid, so you don't need to make adjustments if you're working with fresh juice; the balance just works.
03 -
  • Use a citrus juicer rather than squeezing by hand—you'll extract more juice with less effort, and the drink will taste as vibrant as it deserves to be.
  • The sugar rim is optional, but it changes everything: it catches the cold liquid and adds a sweet-tart contrast that makes the first sip feel like a small celebration.

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