Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
If you are looking for a Limoncello lemon drop martini recipe, today I’ve got a delicious one for you. The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a martini that has gained lots of attention over the years. And it’s one of my absolute favorites! It’s made using Limoncello, which is a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur that originated in Southern Italy. My dad came from Calabria, which is Southern Italy, so no wonder this is one of my favorite martinis.
Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur. It’s sweet by nature but lemony. The Limoncello lemon drop martini is a variation of the classic lemon drop martini, which is made with mostly vodka – but it has that special, yummy ingredient of Limoncello.
Limoncello supposedly dates back to the early 1900s when farmers had a surplus of lemons. I never got to ask my dad to confirm that. But I wish I had since he grew up on a farm in Italy. I do know that the Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini started coming on the scene in the USA, around the early 2000s.
Although popular for quite a while now, I find that I still need to venture out to authentic Italian restaurants to get a real Limoncello martini as most restaurants and bars still don’t carry Limoncello.
Fortunately for me, I know how to make homemade Limoncello. But when I don’t feel like peeling lemon or going out for a regular lemon drop, I just grab my shaker, Limoncello, and vodka and make a few at home.
But you don’t need to be Italian to enjoy a Limoncello lemon drop martini. And if you don’t care to go out and spend $14.00 for one, here’s how you can make one at home.
How to Make This Martini
To make an authentic Limoncello lemon drop martini, I start with my favorite brand, Pallini Limoncello. I know everyone has their own favorite vodka. I love Grey Goose Vodka. But that’s not to say I don’t buy other brands from time to time.
Now, let’s talk about simple syrup. You can buy simple syrup already made. But I prefer to mix it up at home with sugar and water. To make simple syrup, add equal amounts of sugar and water to a small pot. Then heat it over the cooktop till the sugar dissolves. Put it in the refrigerator to cool in a sealed jar and it will keep up to 4 weeks.
I fill the drink shaker halfway with ice cubes. It’s also nice to plan ahead and have chilled martini glasses in the fridge. But if I don’t, I can fill a few glasses with ice water to help them chill quickly.
To make the martini, the vodka, and Limoncello go into the shaker of ice Next I add the simple syrup and a splash of lemon juice. Put the lid on the shaker and shake it for about 30 seconds. Let the martini sit in the shaker for 1 minute and then pour into a martini glass and garnish.
PrintLimoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
This martini is a sweet, lemony cocktail infused with Limoncello.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Chilled
Ingredients
- 2 to 2-1/2 oz of Vodka
- 1 to 1-1/2 oz Limoncello
- 1 tsp Simple syrup (sugar water)
- 1 splash of Lemon Juice
- Ice
- Lemon slice garnish and/or rosemary twig (optional)
Instructions
- Take a drink shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, Limoncello, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Put the lid on the shaker and shake it for about 30 seconds.
- Let it sit in the shaker for 1 minute and then pour into a martini glass and garnish.
Notes
The liquor quantities above can be adjusted to make either a normal or stronger martini.
