If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that’s both festive and refreshingly tart, you’ve got to try this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of bright lemon juice, a splash of cranberry for a holiday twist, and the classic vodka kick that just makes it feel like a celebration in a glass. I promise, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to drink for gathering with friends or cozy nights in during the holiday season.

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Why This Recipe Works

Fresh and Bright Flavors: The fresh lemon juice adds an invigorating tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cranberry and simple syrup.
Festive Twist: Cranberry juice and rosemary garnish elevate a classic lemon drop into a holiday-ready cocktail with beautiful color and aroma.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and a quick shake make this cocktail something anyone can whip up in minutes.
Perfect Presentation: The sugared rim and rosemary sprig add that wow factor, turning your drink into a party conversation piece.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop drink, 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

Each ingredient in this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe plays its part to create a balanced, refreshing, and festive drink. I always recommend grabbing fresh organic lemons if you can—they just make a world of difference in flavor. And don’t skip out on the rosemary; even though it’s a small touch, it brings this beautiful piney aroma that feels so wintry and special.

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop drink, 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: A clean, neutral spirit that lets the citrus and cranberry shine without overwhelming the palate.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show here—freshly squeezed is a must for bright, vibrant flavor.
Cranberry Juice: Adds a seasonal, slightly tart sweetness and that gorgeous holiday red color.
Simple Syrup: Balances the acidity with just enough sweetness—easy to make at home or buy pre-made.
Cranberries (for garnish): Not just pretty—they add a pop of color and a hint of festive fun.
Rosemary Sprig: Provides an herbal aroma that perfectly complements the tart citrus and cranberry.
Sugar (for rimming): Adds sweetness and a bit of sparkle to each sip; I like to use superfine sugar for a smooth crust.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe is—feel free to customize it to match your mood or your guests’ preferences. Whether you like it a bit sweeter, a little more tart, or with a stronger herbal hint, you can adjust the components and even experiment with the garnish.

Make it Sweeter: If you have a sweet tooth like me, just add a bit more simple syrup or rim the glass with flavored sugar (like cinnamon sugar) for a grown-up twist.
Herbal Kick: I sometimes muddle the rosemary lightly in the shaker before adding ice to infuse that beautiful piney aroma directly into the drink.
Lower Alcohol: For a lighter cocktail, just cut the vodka down to 1.5 oz and increase the lemon or cranberry juice—it’s still delicious and super refreshing.
Seasonal Swaps: You can swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for a slightly different tartness and color that’s just as festive.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Glass With Love

I start by running the cut side of a lemon wedge gently around the rim of my glass. This juicy step makes sure the sugar sticks perfectly, giving you that sparkling, sweet edge with every sip. Then, dip the rim into a plate of sugar—superfine sugar works best here—and pop the glass in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes while you mix your cocktail. Trust me, a frosty, sugared rim is a game-changer!

Step 2: Shake It Up

Next, grab your cocktail shaker (or just a large jar with a lid if you don’t have one). Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Then toss in some ice—enough to fill about two-thirds of the shaker—and shake it like you mean it for 10 to 15 seconds until it’s beautifully chilled. I love watching the condensation form on the shaker—that tells me it’s ready.

Step 3: Pour, Garnish, and Serve

Strain the icy cocktail into your prepped glass and grab a fresh rosemary sprig along with a handful of cranberries. I usually just float the rosemary and toss a few cranberries right on top—they look so festive and smell incredible. Serve immediately and watch everyone smile with the first sip.

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Pro Tips for Making Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just can’t compare. Fresh juice brightens the cocktail and makes a huge flavor difference.
Chill Your Glass: Putting your glass in the freezer not only cools the drink longer but also helps the sugar rim set perfectly without melting.
Light Muddling Rosemary: If you want a subtle herbal note, muddle your rosemary before shaking, but don’t overdo it—it can get bitter.
Avoid Watery Cocktails: Shake just long enough to chill—over-shaking melts the ice and dilutes the flavors.

How to Serve Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail, festive lemon drop drink, 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 love sticking with fresh rosemary sprigs and some bright cranberries as garnishes because they bring that signature holiday look and aroma. If you want to get extra fancy, try adding a thin lemon wheel on the rim or even a sugared cranberry skewered on a cocktail pick—these small touches amp up the festive vibe instantly.

Side Dishes

Since this cocktail has a tart and refreshing profile, I find it pairs wonderfully with salty, savory holiday snacks—think rosemary-spiced nuts, smoked almonds, or even a charcuterie board with cheeses and cured meats. Those flavors complement the drink beautifully without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like setting up a little cocktail station with mini chalkboard signs listing this Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe and a basket of fresh herbs and cranberries. Adding some fairy lights and crystal glasses really ups the ambiance. Pouring the drink tableside always gets a few “Oohs” and “Aahs.” Presentation matters, right?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover cocktail (it happens!), just pour it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It will lose a bit of its sparkle but still tastes pretty good chilled. Just skip garnishes until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe because freezing can change the texture and muddle the fresh citrus notes. I highly recommend making it fresh for best results—it only takes minutes after all!

Reheating

Reheating cocktails really isn’t ideal, especially this one, since it’s meant to be served chilled. Instead, if you have leftovers, just give it a quick stir, add fresh ice, and garnish right before serving again—that keeps the flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice in the Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe?

While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best brightness and flavor. Bottled juice often tastes flat and overly tart, which can throw off the cocktail’s balance.
How do I make simple syrup at home?

Simple syrup is super easy to make: just combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pot, warm it over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using. You can store it in the fridge for weeks—really handy for cocktails like this!
Can I make this cocktail in batches for a party?

Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Keep it chilled and add ice when serving. Just rim each glass individually with sugar and garnish fresh rosemary and cranberries for that special touch.
What vodka works best for this cocktail?

I usually reach for a smooth, clean-tasting vodka with no strong flavors—something mid-range like Tito’s or Absolut works perfectly. You want the vodka to complement, not overpower, the bright citrus and cranberry notes.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe has become a cherished part of my seasonal celebrations because it’s both approachable and impressive. I love how quickly it comes together but still delivers that fresh, zingy, and festive flavor that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Give it a try at your next get-together—you’ll be glad you did. Cheers to joyful sips and happy gatherings!