This classic lemon drop martini is made with fresh lemon juice, vodka, limoncello and garnished with lemon slices. It’s a simple cocktail that is refreshing, delicious and fun to make at home!
If you love the sweet and tangy taste of lemon, other favorite drinks include this Italian lemon sorbet drink and creamy frozen limoncino.
Whether it’s a lemon square or a frozen lemonade, I love lemon recipes! This lemon drop martini is a classic cocktail that is sweet, tangy and so refreshing plus it’s so easy to make at home.
Made with only 3 ingredients plus ice and a lemon slice for garnish this drink is not only great for a relaxing evening at home but is a crowd-pleaser at parties. One sip of a limoncello martini and your guests will be transported to the Amalfi coast of Southern Italy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and flavorful: This lemon drop martini with limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, is perfectly balanced with sweet, tart and citrusy flavors.
- Easy drinking martini: This cocktail is a crowd-pleasing favorite and is just as good served as an aperitivo as it is served at a summer picnic, BBQ or holiday party.
Ingredients and Notes
You only need three simple ingredients to get started making a lemon drop martini!
- Limoncello: I love to use my homemade limoncello. If you are purchasing limoncello, look for one made with Amalfi lemons.
- Vodka: Use one that is high quality for better taste.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemons is best, you will need one ounce for two drinks. Add more if you like a more tart taste.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
In a cocktail shaker add the ice, limoncello, vodka and juice. Shake for 1-2 minutes.
Filter the cocktail into 2 chilled martini glasses. Decorate limoncello martini recipe with a lemon slice.
tips and variations
- Quality ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients, I recommended using a top shelf vodka or one that you love.
- Shake to combine: Shake for at least 15 seconds! This allows the ice to hit all sides of the strainer for a chilled drink.
- Lemon bits: I don’t mind bits of lemon in my drink, but if you do use a fine mesh strainer to remove them.
- Add-ins: A splash of cointreau adds another layer of flavor or some simple syrup can be added for some additional sweetness.
- Limoncello spritz: Add a splash of prosecco or club soda.
- Garnish: If you love a classic martini with presentation, add sugar to the rim of the glass or use colored sugar and lemon zest. Add a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme or lemon peel garnish to the sugared rim.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make a lemon drop martini ahead of time?
Yes! This is great to do if you would like to make a big batch for a party, assemble and store in the refrigerator. Just don’t add the ice until right before serving otherwise the drink will become diluted.
How do I make a lemon peel garnish?
If you are not making this cocktail for a crowd, taking a few minutes to make a lemon peel garnish really makes this drink look classy! All you need to do is peel a lemon with a vegetable peeler. Next, using a sharp knife cut the peel into fine, thin strips. Twist the peel around your finger and hold it for a few seconds.
When to serve a limoncello martini?
This is one of the best things about a lemon drop martini, you can serve it with an aperitif (appetizer), an after dinner drink or even a late night drink.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double it, triple it or even quadruple a big batch of limoncello martinis for a crowd. You will need a pitcher to mix it in and once cold, strain out the ice so it doesn’t become diluted.
More Classic Cocktail Recipes
One of our favourite cocktails, I hope you enjoy this Lemon Drop Martini also. Cheers!
- 3 ounces limoncello
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounces lemon juice
- ice (as needed)
- 2 slices lemon
-
In a shaker add the ice, limoncello, vodka and juice, shake 1-2 minutes. Filter into 2 martini glasses, decorate with a lemon slice. Enjoy!
Can I make a lemon drop martini ahead of time?
Yes! This is great to do if you would like to make a big batch for a party, assemble and store in the refrigerator. Just don’t add the ice until right before serving otherwise the drink will become diluted.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double it, triple it or even quadruple a big batch of limoncello martinis for a crowd. You will need a pitcher to mix it in and once cold, strain out the ice so it doesn’t become diluted.
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg | Phosphorus: 4mg
Related
It’s All About Pasta
Amazing pasta recipes to make your mouth water!
Authentic Italian Desserts
75 Traditional Desserts Made Easy