Holiday Lemon Drop Recipe
Introduction
The Holiday Lemon Drop is a festive, refreshing cocktail perfect for celebrating the season. With bright lemon and tart cranberry flavors balanced by a touch of sweetness, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Cranberries (for garnish)
- Rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Sugar (for rimming)
Instructions
- Step 1: Run the cut side of a lemon along the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar, coating it evenly. Place the glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into your prepped glass.
- Step 4: Add a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter cocktail, increase simple syrup by 0.25 oz or adjust to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor and avoid bottled juice.
- Swap vodka for gin for a botanical twist on this festive drink.
- Rim the glass with colored sugar to enhance the holiday vibe.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh and chilled. If needed, you can prepare the mix (vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup) ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice and garnish just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes, substitute the vodka with a lemon-flavored sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit to keep the festive flavors without the alcohol.
What is simple syrup and how do I make it?
Simple syrup is an easy-to-make sweetener made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then cool. It blends smoothly into cocktails.
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Holiday Lemon Drop Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
The Holiday Lemon Drop is a festive and refreshing cocktail featuring a perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet cranberry, and smooth vodka, rimmed with sugar and garnished with cranberries and rosemary. It’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season with a bright and cheerful drink.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
For Garnish
- cranberries (for garnish)
- rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- sugar (for rimming)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Run the cut side of a lemon along the rim of your serving glass to moisten it. Then, dip the rim into a plate of sugar, coating it evenly with sugar crystals. Place the glass in the freezer to chill while you make the cocktail.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Add ice to fill the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared sugar-rimmed glass.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few cranberries to the drink for a festive and aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this bright, holiday-inspired cocktail.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and natural flavor.
- Adjust the simple syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Ensure the glass is well chilled to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- The rosemary sprig adds a wonderful aroma and festive look but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka with sparkling water or a lemon-lime soda.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Holiday Lemon Drop, lemon vodka cocktail, cranberry cocktail, festive cocktails, sugar rim cocktail, rosemary garnish, Christmas drinks
