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Lemon Drop Highball Cocktail Drink

Lemon Drop Highball Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Enjoy a refreshing Lemon Drop Highball with this straightforward recipe! Blend vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup, triple sec and soda for a perfect spring cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 186

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz Triple Sec
  • ½ oz sugar syrup
  • 4 oz soda water - to top
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
  • Add Sugar Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz sugar syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
  • Add Triple Sec: Add ½ oz Triple Sec into the shaker.
  • Add Vodka: Add 1½ oz Vodka to the mix.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake: Shake your drink vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain your mixture into the highball glass over fresh ice.
  • Top with Soda: Top up the glass with approx. 4 oz soda water.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon slice or twist into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: If you don't have vodka, try using gin for a more botanical flavor. I've also used white rum for a sweeter twist.
  • Triple Sec: If you are out on any orange liqueur, try using a drop of orange blossom water for a similar citrusy note. 
  • Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but I prefer fresh for its vibrant taste. Lime juice can also be an exciting alternative.
  • Sugar Syrup: You can use honey syrup with a more decadent sweetness; mix honey and water until smooth.
  • Soda Water: You can use tonic water if you want a slightly bitter edge or a flavored soda for a twist.

Making a Pitcher of Lemon Drop Highball:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka, 4 oz of triple sec, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of sugar syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, triple sec, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses, top them with soda water, garnish with a lemon slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics vodka's neutral profile; these are available and work well in cocktails.
  • Triple Sec: Use an orange-flavored simple syrup or add a splash of orange juice.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace vodka with your chosen substitute and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.