This Lemon Drop Martini with Limoncello is one of the best 3 ingredient lemon drop recipes out there. I love any limoncello cocktail recipes so this is certainly a favorite of mine.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase. I will never recommend a product that I don’t support 100%.
You’ll love this lemon drop martini with limoncello
It's so refreshing. If you are looking for a refreshing vodka martini recipe that's perfect for summer, this lemon drop martini recipe with limoncello is so perfect! It's a sweet cocktail, but not too sweet.
It's easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, this lemon drop cocktail is so easy to whip up whether you want a single cocktail or you want to make a batch cocktail for a party. It's my favorite way to throw together a classic lemon drop martini.
It's perfect for summer. The sweetness of the limoncello liqueur paired with fresh lemon and vodka is so refreshing with the perfect balance of sweet and zesty. Plus, it's a beautiful vibrant yellow color that
First of all, what is limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that originated from the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Amalfi lemons are thought to be the oldest cultivators of lemons. They are known for their thick pith (white inner part close to the pulp) that isn't bitter. This makes for a perfect lemon to make your limoncello since you use lemon peel (or zest) to make the Italian lemon liqueur. However, most grocery stores don't sell specific Amalfi lemons, so you'll want to be sure to only use the lemon zest and not the white part.
It is so easy to make your own limoncello! My mom does it all the time. Homemade limoncello is made by steeping lemon zest with vodka and mixing it with simple syrup. PS, did you know it's so easy to make your own simple syrup? It's simply equal parts water and sugar. My go-to measurement is 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water. It is the perfect balance of lemon flavor and sweetness. You can sip on it, chilled, before or after dinner as an aperitif. I love having limoncello over ice as an after-dinner drink, or limoncello and prosecco cocktails are super refreshing, too!
Ingredients
Vodka. I recommend a high-quality vodka, like Grey Goose, since you can truly taste the vodka in this recipe.
Limoncello. Of course, you need limoncello for a limoncello lemon drop martini it's the main ingredient!
Triple Sec. Triple Sec is an orange liqueur that adds just the slightest bit of citrusy orange sweetness to this lemon martini.
Fresh Lemon Juice. I love adding the flavor of fresh lemons to this limoncello martini recipe, it adds just the slightest bit of freshness and zest to the cocktail to cut the sweetness and make a tasty drink.
How to make a lemon drop martini with limoncello
- Add your limoncello, vodka, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add fresh ice and shake until the cocktail shaker is frosted.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!
Garnish ideas
- Lemon Twist
- Lemon Slice
- Lemon Sugar Rim
Where can you buy Limoncello?
For those of you who haven't bought limoncello before, you can get it at your favorite liquor store, or grocery store like Trader Joe's. My go-to brand is Pallini Limoncello, but you can experiment and find your favorite. Alternatively, if you're a seasoned limoncello drinker, you can try making it yourself with this Homemade Limoncello Recipe.
What is the best limoncello for cocktails?
We are actually in the process of making homemade limoncello for the first time, but here are some of my favorite store-bought limoncello brands to make the best limoncello cocktails.
- Trader Joe's Brand of Limoncello
- Caravella Limoncello
- Pallini Limoncello
Tips for making the best lemon drop martini with limoncello
This is such a simple drink recipe, but here are a few key things to keep in mind!
Chilled Glass. The best way to easily ensure you're making the best martini is by chilling your martini glasses! You can stick your cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice to properly have a prepared martini glass.
Vodka. Arguably the most important thing, outside of having limoncello, is having quality vodka for any classic martini. Martinis are so vodka (or booze) forward that you want to have quality alcohol readily available. I prefer vodka brands like Absolut or Tito's. Again, not the highest quality, but I think it's good enough!
Garnishes.
FAQ
How to sugar the rim of the glass?
On a plate, pour sugar and set aside. Using a lemon wedge, wet the rim of your martini or coupe glass. Dip the wet rim onto the plate with sugar and circle until well coated.
What is the correct way to drink limoncello?
You'll want to be sure to always keep your limoncello in the freezer and serve it straight from it! Typically it's served straight from the freezer and poured into a shot glass to sip on and enjoy.
What's the difference between a lemon drop shot and a lemon drop martini?
The lemon drop shot is stronger with a more condensed flavor since it is a smaller quantity of liquid than a lemon drop martini.
Amazon home bar finds
I love these coupe glasses or martini glasses to make the chicest martinis at home.
You'll also want to be sure you have this cocktail shaker set!
Pin it for later!
Want more lemon cocktails?
Lemon Drop Martini with Limoncello
Ingredients
- 3 oz. vodka
- 1.5 oz. limoncello
- .5 oz. triple sec
- ¼ lemon juiced
Instructions
- In a shaker, pour in all of your ingredients. Fill the shaker with a handful of ice and shake for 10 seconds, until the shaker is visibly frosted.
- Strain into a martini glass and enjoy!
Anne Slocum says
It was so delicious. Not to strong on the limoncello side. Thank you for
Sharing.
Katie Kelly says
So glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!