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!Â
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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!Â
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.Â
- 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:Â Since there are so few ingredients, I recommended using a top shelf vodka or one that you love.
- Shake to combine:Â Shake for at least 15 seconds! This allows the ice to hit all sides of the strainer for a chilled drink.Â
- 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:Â A splash of cointreau adds another layer of flavor or some simple syrup can be added for some additional sweetness.
- Limoncello spritz:Â Add a splash of prosecco or club soda.Â
- Garnish:Â 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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
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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.Â
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.Â
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
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