Brighten your festive gatherings with this vibrant Holiday Lemon Drop, a cocktail that masterfully balances tart citrus with sweet-tart cranberry. This recipe delivers a perfectly chilled, refreshing sip that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. After extensive testing, I’ve found that the addition of cranberry juice not only gives it a stunning ruby hue but also adds a festive complexity that elevates it beyond a standard lemon drop.

Holiday Lemon Drop

Print Recipe

Author: Dorothy Miller

Ingredients

Scale

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

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.
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.

Strain the cocktail into your prepped glass.
Add a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe