If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that’s refreshing, festive, and just feels like celebration in a glass, you’ve got to try this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe. It’s tangy, sweet, and brilliantly bright with a burst of cranberry color that’s perfect for any seasonal gathering. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to shake up this charming drink all winter long.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of tart and sweet: The lemon and cranberry juices blend beautifully to brighten the vodka without overpowering it.
Festive appearance: The sugared rim with cranberries and a rosemary sprig creates a show-stopping presentation that’s so inviting.
Easy to customize: Whether you want it more tart, sweeter, or with a herbal twist, this cocktail welcomes your personal touch.
Quick to whip up: Just a few minutes and simple ingredients get this cocktail party-ready, perfect for last-minute guests.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday vodka cocktail, seasonal citrus cocktail, cranberry lemon cocktail - A clear cocktail glass with a sugar rim holds a pale pink drink. Inside the drink near the surface are three shiny berries—two red and one dark purple—along with a green rosemary sprig laying flat. A thin lemon slice is placed on the edge of the glass. The glass is shown close up on a white marbled surface with soft, blurred warm lights in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe plays a key role in creating a festive, balanced flavor profile—and none are too fussy to hunt down. Here’s why I love each part and some pro tips for choosing them.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday vodka cocktail, seasonal citrus cocktail, cranberry lemon cocktail - Flat lay of a whole fresh lemon cut in half showing juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red cranberries, a single vibrant green rosemary sprig, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sparkling white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear simple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl holding deep pink cranberry juice, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear vodka, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vodka: Choose a clean, smooth vodka since it’s the base of this cocktail — the fresher the better to let other flavors shine.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, always—bottled just doesn’t have that bright zing that wakes up this drink.
Cranberry juice: I prefer 100% cranberry juice with a bit of tartness; it brings that beautiful holiday red and pairs perfectly with lemon.
Simple syrup: Easy to make at home—just sugar and water melted together—or grab a good-quality one to add just the right touch of sweetness.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, toss a few in for garnish; they add a pop of color and festivity that makes every sip feel special.
Rosemary sprig: Adds a festive, herbal aroma that’s subtle but super warming for winter gatherings.
Sugar for rimming: I like superfine sugar because it sticks better and provides a delicate crunch on the rim with every sip.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I adore mixing up the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe to suit the mood or mood of my guests—it’s flexible enough to handle tweaks without losing its charm. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: One of my favorites is muddling a small sprig of rosemary right in the shaker to infuse just a hint of herbal depth, especially when I’m serving it at a cozy winter party.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you like things a little sweeter, simply add a dash more simple syrup, but I find the tartness keeps it fresh and vibrant.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace vodka with sparkling water or tonic for a bubbly mocktail that still nails the holiday vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Step 1: Prep your glass like a pro

I start by running the cut side of a lemon around the rim of my glass—this acts like glue for the sugar. Then I dip it into superfine sugar to get an even coating. Pop the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to chill—it really ups the experience by keeping the cocktail colder longer!

Step 2: Shake things up

Into my shaker goes 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¾ ounce cranberry juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup. Then I add ice—don’t skimp on it—and shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. You want it well chilled and slightly frothy. Tip: a solid shake means your cocktail tastes smoother and more balanced.

Step 3: Strain and garnish

I strain the liquid right into my chilled, sugared glass. For the finishing touch, I add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a handful of cranberries floating on top, which always makes guests smile. Serve it immediately to enjoy that crisp, fresh zing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice won’t give you that fresh, vibrant taste—real lemon juice transforms this cocktail.
Chill Everything: Glassware, shaker, and ingredients—cold means crisp and refreshing in every sip.
Superfine Sugar for Rim: It sticks better and adds a delicate crunch versus regular sugar or salt.
Avoid Over-Shaking: Shake long enough to chill and mix, but not so much that it dilutes your cocktail.

How to Serve Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday vodka cocktail, seasonal citrus cocktail, cranberry lemon cocktail - A clear glass with a wide bowl holds a pink drink with a sugared rim, a slice of yellow lemon, a small green rosemary sprig inside, and small red berries floating in the drink. The glass stands on a white marbled surface with scattered red berries around it. To the left, there is a lit white candle with gold star designs, and to the right, there is a half lemon and a small green pine branch decorated with red berries and white frost. In the background, a decorated Christmas tree with red and gold round ornaments is visible in a soft kitchen setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary—it’s simple, pretty, and screams holiday spirit. If I’m feeling a little fancy, a small twist of lemon peel adds an extra zing and a classy touch.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with light bites like citrus-marinated olives, a cheese board with sharp cheddar or gouda, or even some spicy nuts to balance the sweet tartness of the drink.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love serving the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe in coupe glasses rimmed with colored sugar crystals (red or green for the season). It creates instant festive vibes. You could also freeze cranberries and rosemary into ice cubes to float in the drink—a beautiful and practical twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover cocktail (hey, it happens!), store it in a sealed container or bottle in the fridge. It’s best within 24 hours for the freshest flavor. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing mixed cocktails like this one because the citrus and syrup can separate and change texture. It’s really best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.

Reheating

This is a cocktail meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t on the menu. Instead, just shake gently with a little ice to re-chill if it’s gotten too warm in storage.

FAQs

Can I make the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe in a batch for a party?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix them in a large pitcher or punch bowl, and keep it refrigerated. Rim glasses with sugar individually and add fresh garnishes just before serving to keep everything looking its best.
What’s the best way to rim the glass with sugar?

Run a lemon wedge around the rim to moisten it, then dip the glass edge into a shallow plate of superfine sugar. Twisting gently helps get an even coat. Chilling the glass afterward helps the sugar set and prevents it from falling off too quickly.
Can I use flavored vodka for this recipe?

You can, but I recommend choosing a neutral or citrus-flavored vodka to complement—not overpower—the fresh lemon and cranberry flavors. Anything too sweet or strongly flavored might compete and throw off the balance.
Is there a way to make this cocktail less tart?

Sure! Add a bit more simple syrup to soften the tartness. Just pour in small increments, tasting as you go until it hits your sweet spot.
What else can I use for garnish if I don’t have rosemary?

Fresh thyme or a twist of lemon peel both work wonderfully and bring their own fresh aroma and brightness to the cocktail.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe has become my go-to for holiday parties because it strikes this perfect balance of being elegant yet effortless. I love how it never fails to impress guests with its festive look and bright, delicious flavor. I hope you have just as much fun shaking this up and sipping it by the fire or at your own celebrations. Give it a try soon—you’ll thank me later!

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 56 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and refreshing Holiday Lemon Drop cocktail featuring vodka, tart lemon juice, and cranberry juice, rimmed with sugar and garnished with rosemary and cranberries for a perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients

Liquids

2 oz vodka
1 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz simple syrup

Garnishes

cranberries for garnish
rosemary sprig for garnish
sugar for rimming

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Instructions

Prepare the Glass: 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.
Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
Strain and Garnish: Strain the cocktail into your prepped glass. Add a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra frosty glass, chill your glassware in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before rimming with sugar.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Lightly muddle rosemary in the shaker for a hint of herbal aroma if desired.