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I love limoncello. It’s one of my favorite dessert liqueurs—boozy, citrusy, and a little sweet. The limoncello martini is a refreshing cocktail made with limoncello, vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a little simple syrup.
While some may call this a lemon drop martini, the real difference is the addition of limoncello, which adds another unique dimension of citrus flavor. Unlike lemon juice, limoncello introduces the flavor and aroma of the lemon peel, making the cocktail more complex and interesting.
If you enjoyed this cocktail, also try some of my other vodka recipes such as the Cosmopolitan cocktail, the popular pear martini, French Martini, and my delicious blueberry martini.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Vodka: vodka is used in this cocktail to boost the overall proof of the cocktail and help balance the flavors. I usually use Kettle One or Grey Goose. This cocktail also works well with gin!
- Limoncello: any Italian limoncello should do. I keep mine in the freezer so it’s always cold. You can also make homemade limoncello very easily with Everclear, lemons, and sugar.
- Fresh lemon juice: always use fresh lemon juice. Use a handheld citrus squeezer for easy lemon juicing.
- Simple syrup: a 50-50 blend of hot water and table sugar. It’s an easy cocktail sweetener that can be made in minutes using equal parts sugar and water, ideally by weight. How to make simple syrup.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Expressing a citrus peel for aroma: point the outer peel (non-pith side) outward facing the drink and gently squeeze the edges so the oils spray out over the top of the drink. This adds a pop of aroma!
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the cocktail as it warms.
- Try this cocktail with a rosemary garnish or shake with rosemary when preparing—it goes exceptionally well with citrusy cocktails.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Limoncello Martini
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce limoncello
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4-1/2 ounce simple syrup, as needed see note
Instructions
- Combine vodka, lemon juice, limoncello, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
