An icy, slightly bittersweet Lemon Drop Martini made with limoncello is one of the easiest cocktails you can make. All you need are three ingredients: citrus vodka, lemonade, and limoncello. No fresh lemons required, unless you want a lemon garnish.
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Lemon Drop Martinis are the ultimate after-work treat, but they also shine at brunches, holiday parties, or any “I need a citrusy mood boost” moment.
This easy lemonade cocktail is made with limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, plus citrus vodka and lemonade.
No lemon squeezing, no complicated prep, just pour, shake, and enjoy.
I like to garnish these with lemon slices and a sugared rim (optional, but cute). I usually use Pallini Limoncello because it’s easy to find locally but any good limoncello will work.
If you love bright, citrusy drinks, check out my Lemon Drop Shots, Grapefruit Vodka Martini, Grapefruit Rosemary Martinis, Passion Fruit Cocktail, or for a mocktail twist, Lemon Lime Bitters.
Ingredients for a Lemon Drop
Citrus vodka: Adds extra lemon flavor, but plain vodka works too.
Limoncello: A lemon liquor, which adds intense sweet lemon flavor.
Lemonade: Balances the cocktail and adds sweetness.
Ice: Helps make the drink icy cold.
Lemons (optional garnish): Slice into rounds or half moons for garnish.
Granulated sugar or superfine sugar (optional garnish): Pour sugar onto a shallow plate. Rub a cut lemon around the rim of the glasses, then dip the rims into the sugar.
How to Make a Limoncello Lemon Drop
Gather your ingredients: lemonade, vodka, limoncello, ice, and a lemon if you'd like to garnish the drinks or make a sugared rim.
If you're adding sugar rims, pour a little sugar onto a shallow plate or saucer. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of each martini glass, then dip the rims into the sugar.
Fill a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice. Add 2 ounces vodka, 2 ounces limoncello, and 2 to 4 ounces lemonade.
Shake vigorously until the shaker feels icy cold, about 15 seconds.
Strain into martini glasses, garnish with lemon slices if you'd like, and serve immediately.
Making Multiple Lemon Drops
This recipe easily scales for parties or brunches.
- For two drinks, double all of the ingredients.
- For a small pitcher, combine:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup limoncello
- 1 to 2 cups lemonade
Stir well and chill until ready to serve. When serving, pour over ice or shake individual drinks with ice for the coldest, frothiest texture.
Here's an easy way to remember for adjusting cocktail strength:
Stronger cocktail = less lemonade
Lighter/brunchier = more lemonade
Substitutions and Variations
- Citrus vodka: Plain vodka works perfectly well here. You could even use gin for a more botanical flavor.
- Lemonade: Try raspberry lemonade, pink lemonade, or sparkling Italian lemonade for a fun twist.
- Club soda or seltzer: Add a splash if you prefer a lighter, fizzier cocktail.
- Flower ice cubes: Want to make these look extra fancy for brunch or showers? Add edible flower ice cubes.
Equipment Tip
I use a small cocktail shaker because I’m usually just making drinks for myself… and maybe the cat (kidding, don’t call the SPCA).
My go-to is the Koriko shaker. It’s compact, doesn’t leak, and isn’t too heavy. Plus, it has thousands of good reviews if you like to crowd-source your purchases.
If you’re on a budget, a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid works just fine. But, a good shaker really does make a difference. It helps create a colder, smoother cocktail.
Make Ahead Tips
These alcoholic lemon drinks are best prepared fresh.
You could make a pitcher of these a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge, but they don't take much time.
I recommend just having all of your ingredients in one area and your tools gathered together to speed preparation.
Top tip
Take the extra step to rim the edges of your martini glasses with a bit of lemon and then dip the edge into superfine sugar or regular granulated sugar.
A sugared rim on a lemon drop martini looks fancy, and it adds a bit of sweetness to the drink.
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Recipe
Lemon Drop Martini (3-Ingredient Recipe)
Lemon Drop Martinis with limoncello are sweet, tart, and incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients: citrus vodka, limoncello, and lemonade.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces citrus vodka
- 2 ounces limoncello
- 2 to 4 ounces lemonade
- 1 cup ice
- Granulated sugar, for rimming glasses
- 1 lemon, sliced or peeled for garnish
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice. Add the citrus vodka, limoncello, and lemonade.
Shake vigorously until the shaker feels icy cold, about 15 seconds.
Pour a few tablespoons of sugar onto a small plate.
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass, then dip the rim into the sugar.
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with lemon slices or peel if desired.
Notes
Be sure to shake the cocktail shaker for at least 15 seconds.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 4 ouncesAmount Per Serving Calories 1037Total Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 1gSodium 44mgCarbohydrates 164gFiber 5gSugar 146gProtein 2g
Milton Garcia says
Mmmmm.. That is one yummy martini recipe.
Margaret @approachingfood says
I love lemon drop martinis! I once read that every hostess should have a signature drink, and I claimed lemon drop martinis. I make mine with lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka, and my friends are now disappointed if I don't serve them at get together. Viva la lemon drop! Also, limoncello is surprisingly easy to make yourself!
Shara says
Full disclosure, I just had 2 of these lemon drops and might have a nice buzz going! However, it was the first time I had made my own martinis at home and this recipe worked perfectly! I totally felt like a bartender. They tasted super professional 🙂