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Home » Drinks » Cocktails

Limoncello Martini

Published: Oct 17, 2022 · Modified: Jan 28, 2024 by Ali

Jump to Recipe

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This zingy limoncello martini is an easy and quick lemon-flavored cocktail. A perfect combination of sour lemon flavor balanced out with sweet simple syrup.

Eye level view of a limoncello martini, on a white table with a black background.

For similar martinis, try this strawberry martini, this amaretto martini or this raspberry martini.

For another limoncello-based cocktail, try this limoncello tonic.

Or, try one of these fruity martini recipes.

Jump to:
  • What is Limoncello?
  • Recipe Highlights
  • Ingredients
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • How to Make Simple Syrup
  • Variations
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur from the south of Italy. It is made from lemon peels of Amalfi lemons. 

It is typically served chilled before or after dinner, and meant to be sipped. 

However, you can also use limoncello in a number of cocktail recipes.

Recipe Highlights

  • This martini has a balance of sweet & sour flavors. The sour limoncello and lemon juice are balanced out by the sweet simple syrup.
  • This limoncello martini is a great cocktail to serve for a cocktail hour with appetizers.
  • This is a quick & easy martini recipe that takes less than 3 minutes to make.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the martini.
  • Limoncello: Use a good quality limoncello. The best quality limoncellos are made with Amalfi lemons. However, not all liquor stores will offer a variety of limoncellos to choose from, so use what you can find.
  • Vodka: Generally middle range quality vodkas are best for mixing into cocktail recipes. You can also use flavored lemon vodka if you have that on hand, but it is not necessary.
  • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice only. Artificial lemon juice won’t give the same fresh flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own simple syrup at home, or you can use a store bought simple syrup.

Equipment

  • A cocktail shaker to mix the martini in.
  • Martini glasses or coupe glasses to serve the limoncello martini in.

Instructions

Step 1: Add the limoncello, vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 2: Shake well until the outside of the cocktail shaker is frosted. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass.

A collage of process photos illustrating steps 1 and 2.

How to Make Simple Syrup

Making your own simple syrup at home is easy to do and much less expensive than buying one pre-made. 

To make your own syrup, heat equal portions of granulated sugar and water (ie. 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water), on a saucepan over medium heat. 

Continue to heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the syrup from the stovetop and let it cool to room temperature. 

Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

Variations

The best way to create variations of this limoncello martini recipe is to experiment with flavored simple syrups. 

Replace the regular simple syrup with a flavored one. You can buy flavored simple syrup pre-made, but making homemade ones are cheaper and give the most authentic flavor. 

Try this thyme simple syrup for a limoncello thyme martini. Or make a blackberry limoncello martini with this blackberry simple syrup.

For more fruity flavors, try this raspberry simple syrup, this pear simple syrup or this strawberry simple syrup.

Expert Tips

  • Martinis are best served extra cold. Chill your cocktail glasses in the fridge before serving.
  • Serve this limoncello martini with a lemon peel garnish. Use a vegetable peeler to cut a fine strip of lemon peel. Twist it around a chopstick and hold it in place for 10 seconds to hold its shape.
  • Optionally, garnish the rim with a combination of lemon zest and granulated sugar.
  • If you prefer a completely smooth drink, use a fine mesh strainer to remove any small pieces of lemon.
  • For a tarter, less sweet martini, add an extra ½ oz of lemon juice.

FAQ

Can I make this martini in advance?

Yes. Mix the ingredients together and store in the fridge. However, don’t add any ice or shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker until you are ready to serve it. This can water-down the cocktail.

How do you store limoncello?

Once opened, limoncello should be stored in a cool, dark place. Place the limoncello in the fridge for a few hours before serving to chill the liqueur.

Overhead view of a limoncello martini garnished with a lime slice, on a black background.
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📖 Recipe

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Eye level view of a limoncello martini, on a white table with a black background.

Limoncello Martini


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  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Martini 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This zingy limoncello martini is an easy and quick lemon-flavored cocktail. A perfect combination of sour lemon flavor balanced out with sweet simple syrup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ oz limoncello
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • ¾ oz vodka
  • ¾ oz lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add the limoncello, simple syrup, vodka and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well for 5 to 10 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain and serve.

Notes

  • To make your own simple syrup: Heat 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove, and let cool to room temperature before using in your martini.
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Martini
  • Calories: 302
  • Sugar: 39.3g
  • Sodium: 7mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41.3g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 0.1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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