Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Introduction
Let’s make a Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini — it’s fresh, sweet-tart, and oh-so-sippable. This easy cocktail feels fancy but comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for spring and summer nights or brunch with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello (chilled)
- 1 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
- Ice
- Sugar (for the rim)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour a little sugar onto a plate. Rub the edge of your martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat it evenly.
- Step 2: Squeeze half a lemon to get about 1 oz of fresh juice. Strain out seeds and pulp if you prefer a smooth drink.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz chilled Limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a handful of ice to your cocktail shaker.
- Step 4: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside feels cold and frosty.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into the sugared martini glass, using a fine mesh strainer if you want to remove ice and pulp completely.
- Step 6: Garnish with a twist of lemon on top and serve immediately while icy cold.
Tips & Variations
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a more refreshing cocktail.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t compare.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Try flavored vodka, like lemon or vanilla, for an interesting twist.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to deepen the citrus notes.
- For a kid-friendly version, mix lemonade and sparkling water in a fancy glass with a sugar rim.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the mixed ingredients (without ice) in the fridge for up to 1 day. Before serving again, give it a quick shake and add fresh lemon juice and ice.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended because it offers a brighter, fresher flavor that bottled juice can’t match. For the best taste, squeeze lemons just before making your cocktail.
What can I do if I don’t have Limoncello?
If you don’t have Limoncello, you can use extra vodka combined with additional lemon juice and simple syrup to mimic the sweet-tart citrus flavor.
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Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
A bright and refreshing Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini that combines the sweet citrus flavors of limoncello with fresh lemon juice and vodka. This easy cocktail is perfectly balanced with a sugar rim and a lemon twist garnish, making it ideal for spring and summer evenings, brunch, or any time you want a fancy yet simple drink.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz Limoncello (chilled)
- 1 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
- Ice (a handful)
For Garnish
- Sugar (for the rim)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sugar the Rim: Pour sugar onto a small plate. Rub the edge of a chilled martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat it evenly.
- Juice the Lemon: Squeeze half a fresh lemon to obtain about 1 oz of juice. Strain out any seeds or pulp if you prefer a smooth cocktail.
- Add Ingredients to Shaker: Into a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz of chilled limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and a handful of ice.
- Shake It Up: Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside feels cold and frosty, creating the perfect chill and subtle froth.
- Strain & Pour: Using a fine mesh strainer if desired, strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared sugared martini glass, ensuring no ice shards or lemon pulp enter the glass.
- Garnish & Serve: Add a twist of lemon on top for a finishing touch. Serve immediately while cold and enjoy.
Notes
- Chill your martini glass ahead of time for an extra-refreshing drink.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Adjust the simple syrup amount to suit your preferred sweetness.
- To make a kid-friendly version, mix lemonade and sparkling water with a sugar rim in a fancy glass.
- Store any leftover mix (without ice) in the refrigerator for up to one day; shake well before serving again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini, lemon cocktail, summer cocktail, limoncello cocktail, lemon martini, easy cocktail recipe, refreshing drinks
