Easy Lemon Drop Martini (Limoncello Cocktail Recipe)

Transport yourself to the Amalfi Coast with this Lemon Drop Martini with Limoncello recipe! My Limoncello Martini is inspired by summer trips to Southern Italy and the sweet citrus Italian liqueur. This four-ingredient limoncello lemon drop martini is sure to be a favorite you’ll make repeatedly. So grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s get sippin! 

Although this lemon drop martini with limoncello is the perfect summer drink, you can sip on this refreshing cocktail all year. This martini recipe strikes the perfect balance. between sweet and acidic. If you like your martinis extra sweet, why not add a sugared rim? Top with a lemon twist, and you have a stunning classing lemon drop martini, but with the added flair of limoncello liqueur! If you like martini recipes, try The Best Vanilla Vodka Espresso Martini Recipe. Cheers to happy hour!

Although limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, is most often served in the southern part of the country, you will find it served as an after-dinner drink in other regions as well. I created this recipe as a way to use up some leftover homemade limoncello, and the result was divine! For this recipe, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur), and (optional) lemon peels. I like to use my own limoncello if possible, but in a pinch, I can use Pallini Limoncello, which is a delicious, authentic limoncello that is easily found here in the United States.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It will transport you to Italy – This limoncello lemon drop martini will taste just like a summer vacation on the Amalfi Coast! It’s a classic lemon drop martini, turned up! 
• It’s easy to make – All you need are a few simple ingredients like simple syrup, fresh lemons, limoncello, and vodka. This vodka martini comes together quickly and can be made in advance for a big batch of limoncello martinis!
• It’s a new take on a classic lemon drop martini – Lemon drop martinis are a classic recipe. Still, this cocktail really kicks it up a notch with the addition of limoncello, a delicious Italian lemon liqueur! Lemon-lovers will ask for this recipe time and time again! It’s refreshing, bright, and punchy! 

Ingredients

• Limoncello – Elevate your limoncello martini experience with the vibrant sweetness of this authentic Italian lemon liqueur sourced from sun-ripened lemons along the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Limoncello imparts a burst of citrus that transports you to the sun-drenched groves of Southern Italy.
• Fresh lemon juice – Lemon juice is the essential citrusy component that elevates the vibrant flavors of a limoncello martini. Squeezed from fresh, ripe lemons, the juice adds a tangy kick to the sweet and aromatic notes of limoncello liqueur
• Lemon peel – Adding a twist of lemon peel to your Limoncello Martini not only smells great but also makes it look cool, giving the drink an extra boost of citrusy vibes.
• Simple syrup –Simple syrup in a Limoncello Martini recipe pulls everything together by adding a touch of sweetness. It smooths out the tartness from the lemon and enhances the overall flavor, striking that perfect balance without making things too complicated.
• Vodka – Vodka not only packs a punch but also provides a neutral base, letting the zesty lemon and sweet limoncello flavors shine without stealing the spotlight. 

Substitutions

• Lemon liqueur – If you don’t have Limoncello, substitute it with another lemon-flavored liqueur for this lemon drop cocktail.
• Vodka – Feel free to experiment with different types of vodka or even try a citrus-infused vodka for an extra kick.
• Simple syrup – Replace simple syrup with agave nectar, honey syrup, or another sweetener of your choice.
• Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice. Just be mindful of the quantity, as it might have a slightly different flavor.
• Garnish – If you’re out of lemon peel, try a twist of lime or orange for a unique twist.
• Make it orange – ​You can use orange liqueur and orange juice instead if you prefer a different citrus flavor. 
• Sugar rim – ​Rim the glass with sugar (or lemon sugar which is a mix of lemon zest and white sugar) for a beautiful and tasty spin!

How To Make Simple Syrup At Home

Making simple syrup at home is easy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the simple syrup cool.
4. Once cooled, transfer the simple syrup to a clean, airtight container.

You can store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator for about a month. Use it in your favorite cocktails, iced tea, or any other beverage that needs a hint of sweetness!

How to Make Homemade Limoncello

how to make homemade limoncello

Making homemade Limoncello takes a bit of time, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s a simplified recipe that takes 5 steps:

Ingredients:

• 10 lemons
• 750 ml vodka
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lemons:
   • Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residue.
   • Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel off the yellow part of the lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Infuse the vodka:
   • Place the lemon peels in a large, sealable glass jar.
   • Pour the vodka over the lemon peels, making sure they are fully submerged.
   • Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 7-14 days, shaking the jar gently every couple of days to mix.
3. Make simple syrup:
   • In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
   • Allow the simple syrup to cool.
4. Combine and strain:
   • After the vodka has been infused with the lemon peels, strain out the peels.
   • Combine the infused vodka with the simple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
5. Bottle and chill:
   • Pour the Limoncello into bottles and seal them.
   • Place the bottles in the freezer for a few hours before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Limoncello straight from the freezer as a refreshing after-dinner drink or use it as a key ingredient in cocktails like this limoncello martini!

Step by Step Instructions

Tips and Notes

• Limoncello choices – Feel free to experiment with different brands of Limoncello. Some are a bit sweeter or more citrusy than others, so pick one that suits your taste buds.
• Fresh is best – Seriously, don’t skip on the fresh lemon juice. It makes all the difference. No shortcuts here!
• Sweetness level – Adjust the simple syrup to your liking. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a bit more; if not, keep it on the lighter side.
• Presentation matters – Chilled martini glasses make everything classier. Pop them in the freezer for a bit before serving these limoncello martinis!

Recipe FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Chilled glassware – Serve the lemon drop martini with limoncello in well-chilled martini glasses. Pop them in the freezer before pouring to keep the drink nice and cold.
• Lemon sugar rim – For an extra touch, moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar to create a sweet and tangy rim that complements the drink’s flavors.
• Serve with citrus slices – Serve the martini on a small plate with a side of lemon slices. It adds a fresh element and allows guests to customize their drink further.
• Pair with light appetizers – Since the limoncello martini is light and citrusy, consider pairing it with light appetizers like bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or a fresh fruit platter to keep the overall experience balanced.
• Outdoor setting – If you’re serving these at a summer gathering or outdoor event, consider arranging a stylish bar cart with all the ingredients. It adds a touch of elegance and allows guests to serve themselves.

Please leave a review below if you make this recipe! And, don’t forget to follow @seasonedandsalted on Instagram!