Introduction

The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances tangy lemon and sweet limoncello. Easy to make and impressively delicious, it’s a sunshine-in-a-glass drink ideal for any occasion.

Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 oz Limoncello (chilled)
1 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1/2 oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
Ice
Sugar (for the rim)
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour a little sugar onto a small plate. Rub the edge of your martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into the sugar to coat the rim.
Step 2: Squeeze half a lemon to get about 1 oz of fresh juice. Strain out seeds and pulp if you prefer a smoother drink.
Step 3: Add 2 oz chilled limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Step 4: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside feels cold and frosty.
Step 5: Strain the mixture into your sugared martini glass. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want to remove ice shards or pulp.
Step 6: Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve immediately while icy cold.

Tips & Variations

Chill your martini glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing drink.
Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor—bottled lemon juice won’t compare.
Adjust the simple syrup to suit your preferred sweetness.
Try using flavored vodka like lemon or vanilla for an interesting twist.
Add a splash of orange liqueur to deepen the citrus notes.
Make a kid-friendly version by mixing lemonade and sparkling water in a fancy glass with a sugared rim.
If you don’t have limoncello, substitute with extra vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the mixture (without ice) in the fridge for up to 1 day. Give it a quick shake before serving again, but add lemon juice fresh each time for optimal brightness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this cocktail ahead of time?

You can mix the limoncello, vodka, and simple syrup in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Add fresh lemon juice and shake just before serving to keep the drink lively and fresh.

What if I don’t have limoncello on hand?

No worries! Use extra vodka with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to mimic the cocktail’s balance. Adding a splash of orange liqueur can also add complexity.

Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, refreshing cocktail that combines the sweet citrus flavors of limoncello and fresh lemon juice with the smooth kick of vodka. Perfectly balanced with simple syrup, this easy-to-make martini features a sugared rim and a lemon twist garnish to deliver a crisp, zesty drink ideal for sunny afternoons or elegant evenings.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Martini

2 oz Limoncello (chilled)
1 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice, a handful

For Garnish and Rim

Sugar (for the rim)
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

Sugar the Rim: Pour a small amount of sugar onto a plate. Rub the edge of a martini glass with a lemon wedge to moisten it, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat evenly.
Juice the Lemon: Squeeze half a lemon to extract about 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth juice.
Add Ingredients to Shaker: Into a cocktail shaker, pour 2 oz chilled limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Add a handful of ice to chill the mixture.
Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 15 seconds until the exterior feels cold and frosty, ensuring the ingredients mix well and chill.
Strain & Pour: Using a fine mesh strainer if desired, strain the cocktail into the prepared sugared martini glass, keeping ice and pulp out for a clean presentation.
Garnish & Serve: Add a lemon twist atop the drink as a garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy it icy cold and fresh.

Notes

Chill your martini glass before use for an extra refreshing drink.
Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
Adjust simple syrup amount to your preferred sweetness level.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to achieve the perfect chill and frothy texture.
For a kid-friendly version, combine lemonade and sparkling water in a glass with a sugared rim.
Mix limoncello, vodka, and simple syrup in advance and refrigerate; add lemon juice and shake just before serving.

Keywords: Limoncello cocktail, Lemon Drop Martini, citrus cocktail, refreshing summer drink, easy martini recipe, Italian limoncello, vodka cocktail