Limoncello Martini – (Italian Lemon Drop)
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The Limoncello Martini will transport you to sunny Italy with every sip! This simple version of the classic Lemon Drop Martini, made with an Italian lemon liqueur, is deliciously sweet, tart, and citrusy—the ultimate lemon cocktail!
If you are a lemon lover like me, this will become one of your favorite lemon cocktails. Whether you want a bright cocktail to sip by the pool or something tangy and sweet to share with friends, the Limoncello Martini is the perfect cocktail. With only four ingredients, it is as easy to make as it is to drink!
This Limoncello Martini recipe is one of my go-to summer cocktail recipes. Other Italian-inspired cocktails we enjoy all summer long include the refreshing Hugo Spritz, which is made with elderflower liqueur and prosecco, and my Easy Italian Margarita, which features amaretto. With this selection, it is hard to pick just one as my favorite summer cocktail. I may have to have an Italian-themed pool party and serve all three!
If you want to keep that Italian theme going all year round, you should try my Sicilian Manhattan and the simple but elegant Sicilian Kiss. Both of these sophisticated drinks will elevate your next happy hour.
What is Limoncello
Recently, Limoncello has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. This southern Italian lemon liqueur is citrusy, sweet, tart, and easy to drink. In Italy, it is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo.
Its origins are attributed to southern Italy, around the Amalfi coast, and Sicily, where lemons are abundant and huge!
Italian liqueur gets its citrusy flavor from lemon zest steeped in alcohol and then sweetened with simple syrup. Many popular brands are available, but many Italian families also make their own homemade limoncello.
Ingredients You Need
Limoncello: The Italian lemon liqueur has become easy to find locally at different price points. I used Caravella Limoncello in this recipe. It is a mid-priced brand, and I think it is quite good, especially for mixed drinks.
Vodka: Just as you should use a vodka you like in a traditional martini, you should use a good-tasting vodka in this cocktail as well. The flavor of the vodka will come through, so make sure it is one you enjoy.
Simple Syrup: You can easily make this at home. It consists of equal parts sugar and water. Simply boil it until the sugar has completely dissolved and let it cool before using it. I like to have it on hand, so I combine one cup of sugar and one cup of water. What I don’t use right away gets stored in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
Fresh Lemons: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice accentuates the citrusy flavor, and I like to garnish my drink with either a slice of lemon or a lemon zest curl.
Granulated Sugar: This is optional, but a sugar rim on your glass is a nice touch and further sweetens the cocktail.
How to Make a Limoncello Martini
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the limoncello, vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice, and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into a martini glass or a coupe glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lemon zest curl.
Tips for Making this the Best Limoncello Martini
- A chilled glass will make you look like a pro! If you really want to impress your guests, chill your cocktail glasses in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. This will keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Another pro tip is to rim the martini glasses with sugar. This is optional, but it makes for a beautiful presentation, and the sugar balances the strong lemon flavor of this simple cocktail. Run a lemon wedge along the rim of your chilled martini glass, then dip the rim of the glass in a shallow plate of granulated sugar.
- Make your life easier by making a batch before your guests arrive. To make six cocktails, mix 12 oz. of Limoncello, 12 oz. of Vodka, 6 oz. of simple syrup, and the juice of one lemon in a large pitcher and refrigerate. You can make this up to one day ahead of time. When you are ready to serve them, add enough ice to fill the pitcher, stir vigorously, and strain the cocktails into another pitcher so guests can serve themselves This will ensure that the ice dilutes the martini just as it would if you were making an individual drink.
- A garnish makes for the perfect finishing touch. It can be as simple as floating lemon slices or a twist of lemon peel in your drink.
I love to get your feedback, so if you try this Limoncello Martini recipe or any other recipe on this website, please leave me a comment below. I hope you enjoy our recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you!
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Limoncello Martini Recipe
Limoncello Martini
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Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello liquor chilled
- 2 oz Vodka
- ½ oz Simple syrup
- Lemon juice
- Ice
Optional Sugar Rim
- 1 tbsp Sugar optional
- Fresh Lemon cut into quarters
Instructions
- Pour the sugar into a small plate that is large enough for the rim of the glass to fit in. Rub a lemon wedge along the rim of a martini glass. Then dip the rim of the glass in the sugar.
- Fill a tall glass or shaker with ice. Add the Limoncello, vodka, simple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a prepared martini glass and garnish with lemon slices.
- To make the sugar rim, place the sugar in a dish. Run a lemon wedge along the rim of a cocktail glass, then dip the rim of the glass in the sugar.
Video
Delicious
This is such a delicious drink! A real treat!!!