A simple Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini that is refreshing and zesty! This Limoncello cocktail is easy to make and tastes as good as it looks.
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An easy Martini recipe with Limoncello
A traditional martini is made with gin/vodka and vermouth. But there are many flavored martini variations available. Including this one, the Limoncello Martini which is made with limoncello and vodka.
It is a simple drink that can easily be made at home. It is like a classic Lemon Drop Cocktail (which contains vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a sugar rim), except that it has, even more, lemon flavor due to the Limoncello lemon liqueur.
This lemon martini is the perfect balance of sweet and sour and is always a crowd-pleaser! I like to serve Limoncello Martinis for cocktail parties, as an aperativo or appetizer, or even just as a tasty drink to sip on during a late summer afternoon!
So what exactly is Limoncello?
Limoncello (sometimes called "lemoncello") is a lemon liqueur that is sweet and intense with a strong, bright lemon flavor. Most limoncello is bottled between 28% and 32% alcohol by volume.
You can buy store-bought limoncello at most liquor stores. Or alternatively, you can make your own at home by infusing lemon peels in vodka.
Looking for more Limoncello cocktail inspiration? Check out our list of THE BEST LIMONCELLO COCKTAIL RECIPES!
What is in a Limoncello Martini?
A Limoncello Martini bears no resemblance to a classic Martini. It is made with Limoncello and vodka rather than the traditional gin and vermouth.
This cocktail is like adult lemonade - it is made with both sweet and sour ingredients that perfectly balance and complement each other. And you will only need four simple ingredients to make this refreshing drink!
The ingredients you will need are:
- Limoncello. Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur. It's both sweet and citrusy. You can use either store-bought or homemade Limoncello for this recipe.
- Vodka. Use any plain, neutral vodka that you prefer best. An optional alternative would be white rum as it is also a neutral-tasting alcohol.
- Simple syrup. Homemade or store-bought - whichever you prefer best! We've got an easy Simple Syrup Recipe.
- Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this recipe. You can adjust the amount you add according to personal preference.
- Ice. This makes the cocktail cold and refreshing.
Optional Garnish Ideas
Although this drink is beautiful as is and can be served without a garnish, sometimes I like to add a garnish to my cocktails to make them feel extra special. When it comes to garnishing this simple cocktail there are a few options you could consider. These garnish suggestions include:
- A lemon wedge
- Fresh mint
- A lemon wheel
- Lemon peel spiral
- A sugar rim
- The zest of a lemon
Equipment Needed
- Chopping board and a sharp knife.
- A cocktail strainer and shaker.
- Serving glasses.
- Measuring jug or cup.
How to make a Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini
This cocktail is quick and easy to make. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or cocktail-making skills. To make this delicious martini, follow the simple instructions below or find a full, detailed recipe at the end of this post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP ONE
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
STEP TWO
Add the remaining ingredients and shake well for one minute.
STEP THREE
Strain and pour the martini into the serving glasses of your choice and enjoy as is or add an optional garnish.
CAN YOU MAKE A LIMONCELLO MARTINI IN ADVANCE?
Yes, you can prepare this cocktail ahead of time if hosting an event. Simply mix everything together and then store it in the fridge for as long as needed. If you feel the drink isn't cold enough for serving, you can add in ice to make it extra cold and then serve it.
Can I make a bigger batch of these martinis?
Yes, you can! Simply scale the amounts of each ingredient up proportionally to make the amount that you desire.
Recipe Variations
- Limoncello Highball - Rather than serving this drink in a martini glass, use a highball glass (tall with straight sides) instead. Then fill it with ice and pour the drink over the ice and top it off with sparkling water, tonic water, or lemon-lime soda.
- Limoncello and Mint - Add some fresh mint to your cocktail shaker when mixing this drink. Then top it off with a large sprig of fresh mint before serving.
- Limoncello and Vanilla - Instead of plain simple syrup, use Vanilla Simple Syrup when making this drink for a dash of extra flavor.
- Limoncello and Lavender - Add some fresh lavender to your cocktail shaker when mixing this drink or use lavender-flavored simple syrup instead of plain. Then garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh lavender before serving.
Love Limoncello cocktails? Check out our EASY LIMONCELLO SPRITZ cocktail recipe!
Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini
A simple Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini that is refreshing and zesty! This Limoncello cocktail is easy to make and tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (6 tbsp) Limoncello
- 2 ounces (4 tbsp) plain vodka
- 1 ½ ounce (3 tbsp) lemon juice
- 1 ½ ounce (3 tbsp) simple syrup
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the remaining ingredients and shake well for one minute.
- Strain and pour the martini into the serving glasses of your choice and enjoy as is or add an optional garnish (see options below).
Notes
Optional Garnish Ideas
- Fresh mint
- A lemon wheel
- Lemon peel spiral
- A sugar rim
- The zest of a lemon
Make ahead
You can prepare this cocktail ahead of time if hosting an event. Simply mix everything together and then store it in the fridge for as long as needed. If you feel the drink isn't cold enough for serving, you can add in ice to make it extra cold and then serve it.
Can I make a bigger batch of these martinis?
Yes, you can! Simply scale the amounts of each ingredient up proportionally to make the amount that you desire.
I hope you love this Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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