Food & Cooking Recipes Lemon Syrup for Lemon Drop Cocktail 3.3 (8) Close Credit: Bryan Gardner Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 cups Use this lemon syrup recipe to make the Lemon Drop cocktail. Directions In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water; bring to a boil over high heat. Add lemon zest; reduce to a simmer; cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand overnight.