Limoncello Lemon Drop

By Melissa Search Jump to Recipe

Take a mental break to Capri as you sip this light, refreshing Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini.

Save the Lemon Drop shots for the frat boys (no offense) and level up with this sophisticated Limoncello Lemon Drop cocktail. Limoncello is a tart but sweet digestif (after-dinner drink) made from lemon zest, grain alcohol or vodka, and simple syrup. The lemon liqueur is famously Italian and was first made in either Capri, the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily. The exact origin is still debated. What I am sure of though, is that limoncello is delicious and the part it plays in today’s cocktail is unrivaled.

This Limoncello Lemon Drop cocktail has four simple ingredients and is easy for anyone, novice or pro, to mix up quickly. However, it has a polished, high-end vibe. From the worldly limoncello, classic vodka, fresh lemon, and simple syrup to the classy presentation in the martini glass, it’s giving posh taste. I would say the Limoncello Lemon Drop is similar to the fanciness of a French 76, but with the flavors of a Vodka Lemonade.

Is The Juice Worth The Squeeze?

When making a Limoncello Lemon Drop use fresh lemon juice. First of all, how hard is it to squeeze a lemon? It’s not challenging at all. The taste of fresh lemon is noticeably more refreshing than a bottled version, which can be super bitter and likely contains preservatives. I have a bottle of lemon juice in my fridge and the first ingredient isn’t even lemon. It is filtered water. Anyway, aside from a better taste and all, fresh lemon juice contains vitamin C and electrolytes. So, yes. The juice is so worth the squeeze.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make a Limoncello Lemon Drop?

For both the limoncello and vodka I would go with middle-of-the-road brands. I chose Villa Massa Limoncello, which is easy to find in the States and is authentic and actually served and enjoyed in Italy. You don’t want to overspend when you are mixing limoncello with other ingredients. Some sipping liquors can be shockingly expensive and we don’t want to go there, but we also don’t want the really cheap stuff.

I went with Tito’s for vodka, but something comparable, like Ketel One or Absolut, will do. If you enjoy hosting and making cocktails, having a standard vodka like this in your home bar is a must. Good vodka is relatively neutral in taste, so it takes on nicely with the flavors in a Limoncello Lemon Drop.

What glass and garnish to use?

A Limoncello Lemon Drop should be served in a martini glass. This shape gives you a stem to hold, keeping your warm hand away from the drink, which is exactly what you want in a refreshing cocktail. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Can I change the sweetness of this Limoncello Lemon Drop?

Absolutely! Use less (or more) simple syrup to appeal to your taste.

Limoncello Lemon Drop Variations

The Limoncello Lemon Drop is an absolute classic. With that being said, it is easy to change up if needed. If you need a touch more flavor, add fresh basil or mint before you shake your ingredients together.

If you’re on the lookout for more Italian-origin cocktails to sip on, Twist and Toast has got you covered.

• Classic Negroni – Deceptively simple yet complex and incredibly sophisticated.
• Negroni Sbagliato – Invented in Milan in the 1960s, this Negroni variation is bubbly and bittersweet.
• Americano – Dating back to the 1880s, this one is an Italian classic.
• Aperol Spritz – No list of Italian drinks would be complete without this Veneto region specialty.