Classic Christmas Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays come around, honestly, I just want something simple but still festive. A classic cocktail with a bit of a Christmas spin—a lemon drop—always seems to hit the spot.

There’s something about that bright, citrusy kick with just enough sweetness. It’s refreshing, but not too much, you know?

The way the crisp lemon flavor cuts through all the rich holiday food is perfect. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, looks cheerful in the glass, and doesn’t weigh you down.

If you’re curious, it only takes a few minutes to shake up. There’s a reason it stands out this time of year, and that first sip? It’s like a little burst of holiday spirit.

Classic Christmas Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Whenever I want something that’s crisp, bright, and still feels festive, this is what I make. Tart lemon, smooth vodka, a touch of sweetness—everything just sort of works.

The sugar rim and cranberry garnish? That’s where the holiday magic comes in.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I always go for one with a tight lid so nothing leaks out.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Keeps things consistent, unless you like to eyeball it.
• Fine mesh strainer – I use this to keep the drink smooth and free of those annoying ice shards.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice is a must, so I squeeze it myself.
• Cocktail glass – Chilled martini or coupe glass, whichever’s clean.
• Small plate – Just for the sugar rim.
• Bar spoon – Sometimes handy for a quick stir.

Having everything set up before I start definitely makes things easier. And a chilled glass? That keeps the drink cold way longer.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz cranberry juice (optional, but it’s festive)
• Sugar for rim
• Lemon twist for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)

Fresh lemon juice is always better than bottled—no contest. Cranberry juice adds that nice Christmas color, but you can skip it if you want.

A sugar rim is non-negotiable for me. The garnish just makes it look like you tried.

Instructions

• Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
• Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it in sugar.
• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Pour in the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cranberry juice.
• Shake it up for about 15 seconds, until the shaker’s really cold.
• Strain into your prepared glass.
• Top with a lemon twist or a few cranberries.

I always shake it pretty hard—otherwise, it just doesn’t get cold enough. And that sugar rim? Balances out the tartness, so don’t skip it.

Notes

Honestly, this drink’s best right after you make it, when the glass is still frosty. If you like it sweeter, just add a touch more simple syrup.

Sometimes I want it extra citrusy, so I bump up the lemon juice a little. The cranberry juice is mostly for looks, but it adds a nice touch.

For the garnish, I switch between a lemon twist for a classic vibe or cranberries when I’m feeling extra festive.

If you’re making these for a group, it’s easy to scale up—just shake them in batches so nobody ends up with a warm drink.

Tasting Notes

So, as soon as I take that first sip, there’s this sharp citrus flavor that jumps out at me. The lemon is super bright and crisp—kind of wakes up your taste buds and gives everything a clean, refreshing vibe.

That sugar rim? It throws in just enough sweetness to keep the tart lemon from totally taking over. I really like how the sweet and sour play off each other, neither one hogging the spotlight.

There’s also this gentle warmth from the vodka that sneaks in. It sort of melts into the lemon juice, so the drink feels strong but never too harsh or boozy.

The texture is smooth and actually pretty light. Honestly, the way the chilled cocktail goes down is just so crisp—makes it easy to keep sipping, especially if you’re hanging out at a holiday party.

The flavor hangs around for a bit, leaving this slightly sweet, citrusy finish on my tongue. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to go back for another sip, but it never feels heavy.