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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Limoncello Martini (Lemon Drop Martini)

    Published: Aug 27, 2019, Last updated: Jun 24, 2021 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

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    The most delicious and refreshing Limoncello Martini AKA Lemon Drop Martini made with only 4 simple ingredients. This fun cocktail is perfect for serving up at parties and is so impressive. It's zingy, sweet and tastes just as good as it looks!

    Limonello martini in a martini glass with lemon peel garnish

    Here it is, the most delicious Limoncello Martini that's got the perfect balance of zingy lemons and sweetness.

    Our Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail (made with bubbly prosecco) is one of the most popular recipes on the blog and I just know that you'll love this one just as much.

    Limoncello is one of my favourite liqueurs I mean, I've even made Boozy Limoncello Ice Cream which btw is incredible!

    Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that comes from the south of Italy traditionally made with Amalfi lemon peels steeped in alcohol.

    It's served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo that you sip after a big meal. 

    Side shot of a limoncello martini

    This Limoncello Martini, however, is great as an aperativo or appetizer served with nibbles when you're just getting the party started!

    Ingredients You Need to Make a Limoncello Martini (Lemon Drop)

    So what's in a lemon drop martini? Our version has only 4 simple ingredients;

    • Fresh lemon juice - I use half a freshly squeezed lemon per martini but you can easily up the amount to one lemon if you'd like it a little more tart.
    • Simple syrup - You can buy this in bottles pre-made but I prefer to make my own because it's so much cheaper (see how to make it below).
    • Limoncello - Try to get a good quality Limoncello made with Amalfi lemons (note: my bottle says Pococello which is a brand of Limoncello) or follow our recipe to make homemade limoncello.
    • Vodka - Again, go for good quality as cheaper varieties can have a nasty taste
    A photo of ingredients needed to make a limoncello martini (lemon drop)

    How to make Simple Syrup for Cocktails

    Simple syrup is such a common ingredient in cocktails and is even used in cold brew coffees so knowing how to make it is really helpful.

    The thing is there's basically zero effort involved in making it and it takes around 3-5 minutes max.

    All you need is equal amounts of sugar and water!

    Put the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil and boil until the sugar has dissolved (3-5 minutes depending on how much you are making). Let the simple syrup cool before using.

    And that's it! Super easy.

    Tip: I like to use 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and keep leftovers in a glass bottle or jar.

    How to Make a Limoncello Martini - Step by Step

    Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

    Add the limoncello, vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice (photos 1-3).

    Step by step photos for how to make a limoncello martini (lemon drop)

    Shake the cocktail to combine all the ingredients then pour into a martini glass.

    Tip: You might get small pieces of fresh lemon in your cocktail if you don't use a small strainer but that doesn't affect the taste. I personally don't use one.

    How to Make a Lemon Peel Garnish (optional)

    Adding a spiral of lemon peel is totally optional but looks really pretty and if you're only making a couple of cocktails it's not time-consuming either!

    First, peel a whole lemon using a vegetable peeler.

    Then cut fine strips from the peel using a sharp knife.

    Once you have a fine strip (don't make it too long) wrap it tightly around a kebab skewer, hold it for 1-2 seconds then pull it off the skewer, that's it!

    Tip: Make sure the lemons are fresh, if the skin is wrinkled or too soft it might not work.

    Close up of a limoncello martini in a martini glass

    Can You Make a Lemon Drop Martini in Advance?

    Yes, it's so easy to make this cocktail in advance but make sure not to add the ice as it'll dilute the cocktail.

    Mix everything together and store it in the fridge then right before serving add in ice to make it extra cold and serve.

    Top Tips for Making the Best Limoncello Martini (Lemon Drop)

    • Get a good quality Limoncello - if you can, try to get a brand of limoncello that's made with Amalfi lemons. There are a lot of big brands that use lemon powder instead of fresh lemons and it has a really synthetic taste. You'll notice that the limoncello is almost neon or unusually bright (bad sign). Alternatively, follow our recipe to make your very own homemade limoncello!
    • Notes on simple syrup - you can make as little as ½ cup of equal quantities of sugar and water (125ml). I like to use 1 cup (250ml) and store any leftovers in glass bottles or jars for using in other cocktails (you can also use if for cold brew coffees).
    • Fresh lemon juice - I like to use ½ a fresh lemon per cocktail but if you like it tarter you can add more juice.
    • Lemon juice bits - You might get small pieces of fresh lemon in your cocktail if you don't use a small strainer but that doesn't affect the taste. I personally don't use one.
    • Serving suggestions - I love to serve my limoncello martini with nibbles such as Easy Marinated Olives – Ready In 5 Minutes or Fried Sage Leaves with Anchovies.

    More Delicious Cocktails You Might Like;

    • The Ultimate Chocolate Martini
    • Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
    • Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz
    • Aperol Spritz Cocktail
    • Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail

    If you’ve tried this Limoncello Martini (lemon drop martini) or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

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    5 from 7 votes

    Limoncello Martini (lemon drop martini)

    The most delicious and refreshing Limoncello Martini AKA Lemon Drop Martini made with only 4 simple ingredients. This fun cocktail is perfect for serving up at parties and is so impressive. It's zingy, sweet and tastes just as good as it looks!
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Modern Italian
    Prep Time 2 minutes
    Total Time 2 minutes
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 305kcal
    Author Emily Kemp

    Ingredients

    • 1 part limoncello (1oz/35ml)
    • 1 part vodka (1oz/35ml)
    • 1 part simple syrup (1oz/35ml)
    • ½ fresh lemon juice
    • Lemon peel for garnish optional

    Instructions

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
    • Pour the limoncello, vodka, simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the shaker.
    • Shake until thoroughly combined then pour into a martini glass. Serve with a lemon peel as garnish (optional).

    Notes

    • Get a good quality Limoncello - if you can, try to get a brand of limoncello that's made with Amalfi lemons. There are a lot of big brands that use lemon powder instead of fresh lemons and it has a really synthetic taste. You'll notice that the limoncello is almost neon or unusually bright (bad sign).
    • Making simple syrup - put equal quantites of sugar and water (1 cup/250ml) in a saucepan and bring to boil until sugar has dissolved, let cool. You can also buy this online or in supermarkets.
    • Notes on simple syrup - you can make as little as ½ cup of equal quantities of sugar and water (125ml). I like to use 1 cup (250ml) and store any leftovers in glass bottles or jars for using in other cocktails (you can also use if for cold brew coffees).
    • Fresh lemon juice - I like to use ½ a fresh lemon per cocktail but if you like it tarter you can add more juice.
    • Lemon juice bits - You might get small pieces of fresh lemon in your cocktail if you don't use a small strainer but that doesn't affect the taste. I personally don't use one.
    • Serving suggestions - I love to serve my limoncello martini with nibbles such as Easy Marinated Olives – Ready In 5 Minutes or Fried Sage Leaves with Anchovies.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Helpful Info for All Recipes
    • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
    • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
    • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
    • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
    • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
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    Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joyce Rasada

      December 10, 2019 at 4:33 am

      I love this cocktail!! It only has a few ingredients and so simple to make. I can remember how to make it if I go to a friends house. 😂 it taste so refreshing!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        December 10, 2019 at 10:56 am

        Hi Joyce, so happy you enjoyed it! I love how simple it is 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lizzy

      August 27, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      What a nice delicate cocktail -- perfect for Labor Day!

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 8:56 pm

        Thanks so much Lizzy!

        Reply
    3. Traci

      August 27, 2019 at 3:23 pm

      Gorgeous cocktail! Simple, delicious, and easy...all my favs. Thanks for sharing 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Aw thanks so much Traci!

        Reply
    4. kim

      August 27, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      One of my favorite cocktails! I love that it's perfect for serving at parties or just enjoying on a relaxing night at home!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Exactly, who says cocktails are just for parties, right?!

        Reply
    5. Suzy

      August 27, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      I have yet to try limoncello and this is making me regret that decision! Luckily I now have a reason because this looks AMAZING!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 3:55 pm

        Ah yes! this is definitely the perfect excuse to try it! Thanks so much Suzy.

        Reply
    6. Toni

      August 27, 2019 at 2:43 pm

      My husband really loved it! Perfectly refreshing!

      Reply
    7. Jas @ All that's Jas

      August 27, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      Is 9 am too early to start drinking? 🙂 It looks delicious and is calling my name!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 2:19 pm

        Hahaha only if you're then heading off to work LOL thanks so much Jas!

        Reply
        • Steve

          June 05, 2022 at 3:51 am

          My specific 4 Ingredients included: Caravella Limoncello, Tito’s Vodka, Lemon Juice, and simple sugar: shaken not stirred … poured in a chilled Martini glass. It has become my favorite Martini.

    8. Emily

      August 27, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      This looks so refreshing! I'll be trying this for Labor Day!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        August 27, 2019 at 2:07 pm

        Great idea, hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

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