Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

BySarah Summers
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Introduction

The Holiday Lemon Drop is a refreshing and festive cocktail perfect for winter gatherings. With a bright mix of tart lemon, sweet cranberry, and smooth vodka, it’s both elegant and easy to make. Garnished with rosemary and cranberries, it adds a cheerful touch to any celebration.

A clear glass with a long stem holds a pale pink drink with a smooth surface and a salted rim that shines with white crystals. On the right edge of the glass sits a lemon slice, bright yellow with visible texture, decorated with two shiny red cranberries and a small green sprig of rosemary extending slightly upward. The glass stands on a white marbled surface that reflects the glass and some salt crystals scattered around its base. The background is soft and blurred with warm golden lights and hints of green pine branches, red ornaments, and silver baubles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Strain the cocktail into your prepped glass.
  4. Step 4: Add a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra sparkle, top with a splash of club soda or prosecco just before serving.
  • Try substituting cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a slightly different flavor and color.
  • If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the simple syrup to 0.25 oz or omit it altogether.
  • Freeze cranberries before adding as garnish to keep the drink colder longer without diluting it.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving if chilled. Avoid garnishing until ready to serve to keep the rosemary and cranberries fresh.

How to Serve

A clear coupe glass filled with a light pink drink, the rim coated with white sugar crystals. On the edge of the glass, there is a thin yellow lemon slice, two bright red cranberries, and a small green rosemary sprig. The glass sits on a white marbled surface with blurred warm lights and pine branches in the bright background, along with silver and red Christmas ornaments. A single red cranberry is on the surface near the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Yes, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best bright and natural flavor in the cocktail.

What can I use instead of simple syrup?

If you don’t have simple syrup, you can dissolve equal parts sugar and water by heating gently until the sugar is dissolved, then let it cool before using. Honey or agave syrup can also work as alternatives but may slightly alter the flavor.

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Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
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Description

The Holiday Lemon Drop is a festive, refreshing cocktail perfect for winter celebrations. Featuring a blend of vodka, tart lemon, and cranberry juices balanced with a touch of simple syrup and a sugared rim, this cocktail offers a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. Garnished with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig, it brings a vibrant holiday spirit to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the glass: Run the cut side of a lemon along the rim of your cocktail glass to moisten it. Then dip the rim into a plate of sugar, coating it evenly. Place the glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
  2. Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until well-chilled.
  3. Strain and serve: Strain the chilled mixture into your prepared sugar-rimmed glass.
  4. Garnish and enjoy: Add a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your Holiday Lemon Drop cocktail.

Notes

  • Chilling the glass beforehand helps keep the cocktail cold longer.
  • Adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart cocktail.
  • The sugared rim adds extra sweetness and a decorative touch—ensure it is evenly coated for the best presentation.
  • Substitute vodka with a flavored vodka like citrus or berry for a different twist.
  • This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed within a short time after preparation to keep the flavors crisp.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Holiday Lemon Drop, vodka cocktail, cranberry cocktail, festive drink, lemon drop, holiday cocktail, shaken cocktail, sugared rim, Christmas drink, winter cocktail

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