Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Introduction
The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a fresh, sweet-tart cocktail that’s delightfully sippable and perfect for warm weather. Easy to make yet impressively elegant, it’s ideal for a spring or summer evening, brunch with friends, or a relaxing solo treat. The bright lemon flavor paired with a sugared rim makes every sip a refreshing experience.
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 the rim into the sugar to coat it evenly.
- Step 2: Squeeze about half a lemon to get 1 oz of fresh juice. Strain out seeds and pulp if you prefer a smooth drink.
- Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz chilled Limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a handful of ice.
- 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 the sugared martini glass, using a fine mesh strainer if desired to keep out ice or pulp.
- Step 6: Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve immediately while cold.
Tips & Variations
- Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing drink.
- Always use fresh lemon juice to get the brightest flavor.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Shake vigorously to create a perfect chill and a slight froth.
- For a kid-friendly mocktail, mix lemonade and sparkling water in a fancy glass with a sugared rim.
- If you don’t have Limoncello, use more vodka with lemon juice and extra simple syrup as a substitute.
- Try flavored vodka like lemon or vanilla for an interesting twist.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur for a citrusy depth.
Storage
This cocktail tastes best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the mixture without ice in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Before serving again, give it a quick shake and add fresh lemon juice if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
It’s best to use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to be less fresh and can affect the taste of your cocktail.
How do I make a sweeter or less sweet Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini?
You can adjust the simple syrup amount to taste. Add more for extra sweetness or reduce it if you prefer a tarter drink.
PrintLimoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, fresh, and sweet-tart cocktail perfect for spring and summer nights, brunches, or a relaxing treat. This easy-to-make drink combines chilled Limoncello, vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, served in a sugared-rim martini glass with a lemon twist garnish for a refreshing citrus punch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 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 (a handful)
For the Garnish
- Sugar (for the rim)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sugar the Rim: Pour some sugar onto a small plate. Rub the edge of a martini glass with a lemon wedge to moisten it, then dip the rim into the sugar until fully coated.
- Juice the Lemon: Squeeze half a lemon to extract about 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, straining out seeds and pulp if a smoother texture is desired.
- Add Ingredients to Shaker: Into a cocktail shaker, pour 2 oz of chilled limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a handful of ice.
- Shake It Up: Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty, chilling and mixing the ingredients perfectly.
- Strain & Pour: Strain the mixture into the prepared sugared martini glass, using a fine mesh strainer if desired to remove any ice shards or pulp.
- Garnish & Serve: Add a lemon twist on top as a garnish. Serve immediately while icy cold and enjoy.
Notes
- Chill your martini glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing experience.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust the simple syrup amount based on your preferred sweetness.
- For a kid-friendly version, mix lemonade and sparkling water in a fancy glass with a sugar rim instead of alcohol.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix Limoncello, vodka, and simple syrup in advance and refrigerate without lemon juice; add lemon juice and shake before serving.
- Variations include using flavored vodka or adding a splash of orange liqueur for extra citrus depth.
Keywords: Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini, lemon cocktail, summer cocktail, lemon drop, limoncello cocktail, easy cocktail, spring drink
