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!

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. 

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

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).

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.

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.