Another delightful cocktail made with limoncello is the Limoncello Martini with lemon juice. In this version, lemon juice combines with limoncello and vodka, resulting in a sparkling and refreshing drink. This variation differs from our other Limoncello Martini, which uses lemon solely for an orange sugar rim.
For those who prefer a sweeter taste, the Limoncello Martini with elderflower syrup is an excellent choice. Both variations offer a wonderful way to celebrate National Limoncello Day on June 22!
🥘 Ingredients
- Vodka - use a high-quality, neutral vodka such as Grey Goose or Tito's. These brands provide a smooth base that complements the vibrant flavors of the limoncello and lemon juice.
- Limoncello - For the best flavor, opt for authentic Italian limoncello. Try brands like Villa Massa or Pallini.
- Lemon juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for achieving the best flavor. For more details, check out our blog post on "freshly squeezed lemon juice" and "how much lemon juice is in one lemon".
See the recipe card for quantities.
Although I usually prefer my martinis stirred, today I’m siding with James Bond and serving this one shaken, not stirred.
Who’s your favorite actor to play 007? For me, it’s Sean Connery all the way! Who’s your top pick? Let me know in the comments! 😊
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Squeeze a lemon and set the juice aside.
Step 2: Add vodka, limoncello, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the small tin of the shaker (if you are mixing with a Boston shaker).
Step 3: Fill the big tin of your shaker with ice.
Step 4: Pour the liquid mix into the tin with ice. Then close the shaker tightly and shake well.
Step 5: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass through a fine strainer.
Step 6: Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Step 7: Serve immediately.
🍓 Substitutions
- Lemon Juice: Lime or grapefruit juice can be used for a different citrus flavor.
- Vodka:
Gin can be substituted for a more botanical twist. - Limoncello: Triple sec or another citrus liqueur for a varied taste profile.
💕 Perfect Pairing
No-bake Biscoff Cheesecake: This creamy, indulgent dessert, with its rich Biscoff flavor and smooth texture, perfectly complements the zesty notes of the martini.
Fig Cheesecake in a Jar: This no-bake dessert, with layers of graham cracker, creamy cheesecake, and fig jam, offers a sweet and rich pairing that enhances the limoncello’s citrus notes.
Quick Strawberry Cream: This simple and quick dessert combines strawberries and whipped cream to provide a refreshing and sweet finish to your cocktail hour.
Simple Layered Eggnog Vanilla Pudding Dessert: This dessert features an intense
🍽 Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker - I am using a Boston shaker here. Check out our blog post about different types of cocktail shakers to find your perfect match!
- Measuring Tools/Jigger
- Lemon squeezer
- Fine-strainer
💭 Top tips
Mixing with a Boston Shaker (like I did)
When preparing this cocktail with a Boston shaker, follow these steps to minimize dilution: First, mix all ingredients together in the smaller tin. Then, fill the larger tin with ice and pour the liquid mixture into it. Seal and shake well. This method ensures minimal dilution, keeping your cocktail super tasty!
Fine-straining a martini is essential for several reasons:
- It removes small ice shards and pulp, resulting in a smoother, more refined texture.
- A clear, particle-free drink looks more visually appealing.
- Straining out any solids ensures a consistent and clean flavor.
- A well-strained martini has a better mouthfeel, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
How to Chill a Cocktail Glass
Method 1: Pre-Freezing
- Steps:
- Place your cocktail glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can put them in the night before your event for added convenience.
- Benefits:
- This ensures the glass is thoroughly chilled, keeping your drink colder for longer and enhancing the overall experience.
Method 2: Ice Fill
- Steps:
- Fill the glass to the brim with ice cubes or crushed ice while you prepare your cocktail ingredients.
- Dump the ice out before serving and immediately pour in your prepared cocktail.
- Benefits:
- This method is quick and effective if you’re short on time or freezer space. It also gives the glass a frosty look and feel.
Using these methods ensures your cocktail stays perfectly chilled, providing a refreshing and enjoyable drinking experience.
🙋🏻 FAQ
Yes, Limoncello is a liqueur. It is an Italian lemon liqueur predominantly produced in Southern Italy. Known for its bright, sweet, and tangy lemon flavor, Limoncello is typically enjoyed as a digestif after meals.
Other Limoncello Recipes for You to Try
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Limoncello Vodka {no lemon juice}
- Limoncello Martini with Elderflower Syrup
- Sparkling Limoncello
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
Refreshing Limoncello Martini with Lemon Juice
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Serving Glass (Martini glass)
Ingredients
- Cubed ice for the cocktail shaker
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- 1 ½ oz Limoncello
- ¾ oz Lemon juice
- Lemon wedge garnish
Instructions
- Squeeze a lemon and set¾ oz Lemon juicethe juice aside
- Fill a cocktail shaker with Cubed ice.Cubed ice
- Add 1 ½ oz Vodka, 1 ½ oz Limoncello, and ¾ oz Lemon juice to the shaker1 ½ oz Vodka, 1 ½ oz Limoncello, ¾ oz Lemon juice
- Close the shaker tightly and shake well.
- Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a Lemon wedgeLemon wedge
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Claudia says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Nora says
Thank you, Claudia.
Anonymous says
This drink was incredible! I made it for girls night and they all loved it!
Nora says
That is wonderful! Thank you!
Krystle says
Super simple, we make this often after dinner. It is the perfect balance of sweet and tart
Nora says
Yeah, it is! Thank you, Krystle!
Sonja says
Shaken, not stirred. Clearly. But more to the point: super refreshing and delicious. And so few ingredients, I actually had them at home.
Nora says
That is awesome, Sonja! Thank you!
Swathi says
Perfect, refreshing, vodka and citrus go well. Thanks for sharing this recipe I enjoyed it.