Hey friend! If you’re craving a cocktail that’s festive, refreshing, and just a little bit fancy, then you’re going to love this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe. It’s got the perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet cranberry, and a little herbal charm that screams celebration. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to holiday sipper for every party or cozy night in. Let me walk you through it!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Holiday Flavors: The cranberry and lemon combo feels festive without being overly sweet.
Simple but Impressive: Only a handful of ingredients create a cocktail that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Customizable Garnishes: Fresh rosemary and sugared cranberries add charm and aroma, making it party-ready.
Balance of Tart and Sweet: Using fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup keeps every sip refreshing and smooth.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday cocktail recipes, cranberry lemon cocktail, easy holiday drinks - 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

This Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe uses a short list of ingredients that play beautifully together, making it easy to prep but full of flavor. Using fresh elements like lemon juice and garnishes makes a real difference to the overall taste and presentation.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday cocktail recipes, cranberry lemon cocktail, easy holiday drinks - 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: Opt for a clean, good-quality vodka — it lets the other flavors shine without adding harsh notes.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable here; bottled juice just can’t deliver that bright, natural zing.
Cranberry Juice: Adds holiday color and a slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Simple Syrup: Balances the tartness with just a touch of sweetness; you can easily adjust this to taste.
Sugar (for rimming): Provides a festive, sweet crunch on the rim while elevating the presentation.
Cranberries (for garnish): Fresh cranberries add a pop of color and a festive feel.
Rosemary Sprig: Adds an herbaceous aroma and a gorgeous evergreen look for the holidays.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often play around with the sweetness level or add extra herbs to suit my mood or the vibe of the party. Don’t be shy—make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap vodka for gin to add a botanical twist, which pairs surprisingly well with the rosemary.
Dietary: Use a sugar substitute to rim the glass if you want a lower-calorie option; stevia works fine without compromising the taste.
Seasonal Change: Try adding a splash of orange juice in place of cranberry for a citrusy twist during warmer holidays.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Glass Like a Pro

First, grab your glass and run the cut side of a lemon around the rim. This little trick makes the sugar stick perfectly. Then dip the glass into a plate of sugar, coating the rim evenly. Pop the glass in the freezer while you mix the cocktail — this keeps your drink icy cold and the sugar rim crisp.

Step 2: Shake Things Up

In your cocktail shaker, combine vodka, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Add plenty of ice, then shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until everything is well-chilled. This is the fun part—I find shaking it well really brings the flavors together and chills it perfectly.

Step 3: Strain and Garnish with Holiday Flair

Strain your beautiful, chilled cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass. Then add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few bright cranberries for that festive look and subtle aroma. It’s these finishing touches that make the drink feel truly special. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Chill Everything: I always chill the glass first—it keeps the drink cold longer without diluting it with extra ice.
Fresh Juice Only: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it here; fresh juice makes all the difference in brightness.
Rosemary Magic: Lightly bruising the rosemary before adding it enhances the herbal scent without overpowering the cocktail.
Don’t Overshake: Shake just long enough to chill—over shaking can water down the drink with melting ice.

How to Serve Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop cocktail, holiday cocktail recipes, cranberry lemon cocktail, easy holiday drinks - 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 never skip the sugared cranberry and rosemary sprig garnish; they make the drink look so festive and elegant. Plus, the rosemary adds a wonderful aroma that’s just perfect for the holidays. You can also rim the glass with colored sugar crystals to add a fun, sparkly touch for parties.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with light, citrusy snacks—think lemon herb crostini, roasted nuts with rosemary and sea salt, or a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and creamy goat cheese. For sweeter snacks, cranberry biscotti or shortbread cookies complement the tartness without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving this cocktail in coupe glasses—it just feels so classic and festive. For special occasions, try floating a tiny rosemary wreath or a few edible gold flakes on top for extra luxury. You could even prepare a batch in a pretty punch bowl with plenty of ice and garnishes for guests to help themselves at the party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover cocktail mix before shaking, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a shake or stir before serving to combine any settled ingredients.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe because the components separate and lose their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.

Reheating

You actually don’t want to reheat this cocktail—serve it chilled every time. If stored in the fridge, give it a good shake with some fresh ice and strain into a fresh glass before drinking.

FAQs

Can I make this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe in larger batches for a party?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and mix them together in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Keep it chilled and stir well before serving, then rim glasses individually for that sparkling sugar edge.
Can I substitute the vodka with another spirit?

Yes, you can swap vodka for gin or even a light rum if you want to experiment with different flavor profiles. Gin adds a piney herbal note that complements the rosemary, while rum gives it a sweeter base.
What type of cranberry juice works best?

I recommend using 100% cranberry juice without added sugars for the best tartness. If you prefer it sweeter, you can adjust the simple syrup accordingly.
How do I make simple syrup at home?

Simple syrup is super easy: just dissolve equal parts sugar and water over low heat until clear, then cool. You can store extra syrup in the fridge for weeks and use it in cocktails or iced drinks.
Can I prepare the cocktail without a shaker?

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight lid to shake or simply stir vigorously in a chilled glass with plenty of ice, though shaking helps blend and chill the ingredients best.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe is one of my favorite ways to brighten up cold winter evenings and impress guests without much fuss. It’s crisp, festive, and feels just a little bit special with those garnishes and fresh flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—pull out your shaker, get those ingredients ready, and make some holiday memories, one sip at a time!

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: Caroline
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

The Holiday Lemon Drop is a festive, refreshing cocktail combining vodka, tart lemon juice, and sweet cranberry juice, perfectly balanced with simple syrup and garnished with cranberries and rosemary. This vibrant drink is rimmed with sugar and served chilled for a delightful holiday treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Garnishes and Extras

cranberries for garnish
rosemary sprig for garnish
sugar for rimming

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: Run the cut side of a lemon along the rim of your glass to moisten it. 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 for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and Serve: 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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 160 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg