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This limoncello martini is a zingy, fresh cocktail that everyone will love! Here’s how to whip it up in minutes.
Lemon lovers, here’s your perfect drink! My limoncello martini has an intense lemon flavor and a zingy finish: it’s a sweet tart cocktail like my classic lemon drop martini, except it takes the lemon flavor up a notch by using the popular Italian liqueur.
When you take the first sip, you’ll feel like you’re biting into a lemon: except with none of that sour puckering flavor! I makes me think of the vibe of lemonhead candy. Alex whipped this up for me the other day, and I couldn’t stop drinking it. It’s similar to this limoncello mojito that I’m also a huge fan of!
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Holy moly this is SO good! I used limoncino we purchased in Cinque Terre. Now I need to go back to buy another bottle!” -TheaMaria
Ingredients in A Limoncello Martini
This limoncello martini cocktail is a spin on the flavored vodka martini: which is really just a martini in name only! Here’s a whole family of flavored vodka martinis like the espresso martini, pomegranate martini.
This limoncello martini is similar to the classic lemon drop martini, but using limoncello instead! I made my own recipe that gets just the right balance of lemon, sweet and tart. The ingredients for a limoncello martini are:
- Limoncello: The classic Italian lemon liqueur! See below for more info.
- Vodka: You can use any type: I like using a mid-range vodka for martinis (I usually use Tito’s).
- Lemon juice: Always use fresh lemons, never bottled juice! The flavor doesn’t compare.
- Simple syrup: You can buy simple syrup, but I always make mine: it’s just a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves.
How to Make a Limoncello Martini
This limoncello martini is very easy to make. All you have to do is measure, shake and strain: there are no fancy syrups or steps that take any time to make. Here’s what to do:
- Shake in a cocktail shaker. Place the vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake (Don’t have one? Use a mason jar!)
- Strain into a glass and garnish. Strain into a martini glass. If you’d like, garnish with a lemon slice.
All About Limoncello
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that tastes like biting into an actual lemon! It’s the second most popular liqueur in Italy after Campari. You can get it everywhere in Italy, and it’s customary to drink a shot after a big Italian meal. Limoncello has become very popular in the US, so you should be able to find it easily at your local liquor store. You can also find it online.
I always remember my first taste of it: it’s very strong but refreshing. Limoncello has a very strong lemon flavor and boozy aftertaste. It’s so strong straight up that I usually pass it up, but mixed into this limoncello martini, it’s got just the right balance of sweet and tart.
When To Serve It
This Limoncello Martini works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it for:
- Spring and summer gatherings. I crave lemon as soon as the weather warms up: it’s great in any summer cocktails lineup.
- An Italian-themed dinner. Limoncello is a Southern Italian classic, so this cocktail is great before a meal of lasagna or eggplant parmesan.
- A lazy weekend afternoon on the patio. It’s lighter and more sippable than a lot of spirit-forward drinks.
Batching Pro Tip
If you’re hosting a crowd, mix a larger batch (without ice) in a pitcher ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When guests arrive, add 3 handfuls of ice, stir, and then strain 3 ½ oz portions into individual glasses.
Limoncello Martini
This limoncello martini has the best intense lemon flavor! Citrus lovers will adore this vodka cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) limoncello
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) vodka
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) simple syrup
Instructions
- Add the limoncello, vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cold.
- Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Notes
Batching tip: If you’re hosting a crowd, mix a larger batch (without ice) in a pitcher ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When guests arrive, add 3 handfuls of ice, stir, and then strain 3 ½ oz portions into individual glasses.
More Lemon Cocktails To Try
Here are some more classic lemon cocktails that capitalize on zingy flavor:
- Limoncello Mojito The lemon liqueur makes a incredibly refreshing spin on the classic, paired with rum and fresh mint.
- Limoncello Spritz This sparkling drink has a pure lemon flavor from this Italian liqueur.
- Vodka Lemonade or Bourbon Lemonade Sweet tart and ultra refreshing! A tasty cocktail that works any time of year.
- Best Whiskey Sour Perfectly balanced and so easy to make! *Fan favorite*
- Gin Fizz A classic cocktail that’s sweet and tangy, with a frothy egg white foam topping.
- Tom Collins Cocktail Another classic! Sweet, light and bubbly.
For the lemoncello your ingredients come to 3 1/2 oz and the glass holds about 5oz ?
Yes
Holy moly this is SO good! I used limoncino we purchased in Cinque Terre. Now I need to go back to buy another bottle!
Ha! That’s as good an excuse as any :)