This Limoncello lemon drop martini is crisp and sweet tart. It tastes like the grown up version of a lemon sherbet. I love it for girls night, easy entertaining, or when I want something that looks fancy but takes almost no effort. If you already keep a bottle of limoncello in the freezer, you are halfway there.

a lemon drop martini with limoncello in the background.

About this cocktail

A lemon drop martini is usually made with vodka, fresh lemon, and a sweetener of some sort. Adding limoncello gives it this lemon depth and a silkier texture. It is cold shaken and served straight up. It is strong but smooth, bright but balanced, and very easy to drink. To make it extra special, turn it into a lemon meringue pie martini!

What you’ll need

Limoncello liqueur: You could use homemade limoncello or an authentic Italian lemon liqueur.
Lemon juice from fresh lemons: A bit of fresh lemon nearly always enhances a cocktail, not just lemon cocktails.
Vodka: a good quality unflavored vodka
Simple syrup and lemon peel for garnish.

Instructions

Grab all your ingredients

Fill a martini glass with ice so it has time to chill before you make the cocktail.

lemon juice poured into cocktail shaker.

Add vodka, limoncello, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Shake it firmly until the shaker turns frosty and cold.

Strain into the glass and garnish with a lemon peel garnish and serve immediately.

Variations

Frozen version: Blend everything with a handful of ice for a slushy lemon drop.
Add a sugared rim: The rim of the glass can be coated in sugar for a little something extra. Run a lemon or lime wedge along the edge of the glass, then dip the glass in a little plate of sugar. For a lemon sugar rim, rub the sugar in some lemon zest first.
Sparkling version: Top the finished martini with a splash of chilled prosecco for a lighter, bubbly version.
Swap the vodka for gin.

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