Limoncello Martini

This Limoncello Martini is slightly sour, slightly sweet, and packed with lemon flavor! With limoncello, vodka, a splash of lemon juice and some simple syrup as a sweetener, it's a well-rounded cocktail that's the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The lemon zest sugar rim is optional, but delicious!

We're always looking for fresh takes on classic cocktails, like this Pineapple Coconut Margarita, and this limoncello martini definitely fits the bill! We took out half of the typical quantity of vodka that you'd find in a martini and we replaced it with tart and delicious limoncello.

If you've never had limoncello before or are unfamiliar with it, it's made by soaking lemon peels in a high-proof alcohol for several weeks. The resulting mixture is then strained, leaving behind a spirit that's full of lemon flavor, and that trademark yellow color.

We really love using limoncello in cocktails, like this Limoncello Spritz. It's definitely a strong spirit, but has a ton of flavor and adds a super fresh dimension to all sorts of drinks.

Jump to:

• Limoncello Martini Ingredients
• How to Make this Limoncello Martini Recipe
• Substitutions and Variations
• Tips and FAQ
• Top tip
• More cocktail recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

Limoncello Martini Ingredients

For the cocktail

• Limoncello: you should be able to find this at a liquor store, or you can make your own.
• Vodka: any vodka will do!
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: this is key to making a super fresh tasting cocktail that has the right balance of tart and sweet. Make sure to use freshly squeezed.
• Simple syrup: you can make your own by combining equal parts of sugar and water and dissolving the sugar over medium low heat. You can also use agave or honey.

For the rim

• Sugar: plain granulated white sugar will work for this recipe.
• Zest: freshly grated zest is key. The oils from the fresh zest will mix with the lemon, creating a delicious lemon-flavored sugar.

How to Make this Limoncello Martini Recipe

STEP 1: Add sugar and lemon zest to a plate and use your fingers to massage the zest into the sugar. Dip the rim of your glass into simple syrup, honey, or agave, and then into the sugar mixture.

STEP 2: Combine limoncello, vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds to combine.

STEP 3: Pour out your chilled cocktail into your rimmed glass, and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Substitutions and Variations

• Limoncello: It's pretty difficult to find an adequate substitute for limoncello, but you could use another lemon-flavored liqueur, like lemon vodka or lemon schnapps.
• Vodka: You could use gin instead of vodka if you prefer it.
• Vermouth: this is an ingredient in a classic martini, and if you like, you could add in ½ oz of vermouth.
• Mocktail: to make it a mocktail, leave out the limoncello and the vodka and replace them with 2 oz of lemonade.
• Pitcher: to make this cocktail for a crowd, multiply the quantities in the recipe card by 10 and add them to a pitcher and stir well. When you're ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher, stir again, and pour into individual glasses.
• Flavored simple syrup: If you want to get extra fancy, you can use an infused simple syrup for this recipe. Basil would be delicious, or try this lime or orange syrup!

Tips and FAQ

More tips

• You can place your glass in the freezer before serving to ensure your limoncello martini stays colder for longer.
• Shake for a full 10-15 seconds to make sure all of the cocktail ingredients are well-mixed.
• How to make simple syrup: You can use store-bought simple syrup, but it's actually super easy to make from scratch in just a few minutes! Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium low just until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool before using in this limoncello martini.

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