Good Morning! June 19 is National Martini Day. So, of course, my decision for what to make was already made for me. A martini, obvi. But which one? A limoncello martini seemed like the best choice.
What would 007 say?
The traditional martini is made with gin and vermouth, garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Purists will say to only stir a martini. Some, like James Bond, feel martinis should be shaken not stirred. I for one, do NOT intend to disagree with 007.
What I think is much more fun is the development of martinis with all the other types of liquor available. Since I prefer vodka to gin, I consider the development of the vodka martini to be a major breakthrough in the world of mixology.
The martini research process
I did a lot of drinking research leading up to this
day. One of the first martinis I tried incorporated vodka and elderflower
liqueur. It was good but seemed to create insufficient liquid for my glass. I
then increased the volume…primarily of the alcohol. This was followed
immediately by a 3-hour nap. I'm such a lightweight. Sigh.
After intense research in the Sula and Spice Lab, the decision is: The Limoncello Martini. It's summer, so it's almost like lemonade…right?
I also found out that there are lots of different recipes for a Lemon Martini. Could this get any more complicated?
I chose to use a combination of Limoncello and fresh lemon juice to provide the perfect lemony taste. Since I already had some Limoncello on hand, it seemed meant to be.
The final recipe for the limoncello martini
I made a slight adjustment after making this the first time. Many recipes use granulated sugar and shake the cocktail long enough to dissolve the sugar. Well, considering that you are adding this to super-cold liquid, sugar is going to take a LONG time to dissolve. I found my original mix to be very tart and drank very little. Later when I poured it out, I found un-dissolved sugar at the bottom of the glass. So I made it again using simple syrup, which was much better.
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By the way, you know what simple syrup is, right? Just in case, I will explain:
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water dissolved together. For one-time use, I make a few tablespoons at a time, just microwave them together in a small cup to dissolve and then allow to cool. If larger quantities are needed, heat 1-2 cups of water in a small saucepan, add the same quantity of sugar (to one cup water add one cup sugar, etc) and stir to dissolve. Pour in a jar with cover and store in the refrigerator.
I like to taste both sweet and tart when I have anything lemon flavored. This mix provides that. And it will be very simple to adjust the sweetness to personal taste, by changing the amount of simple syrup.
I also learned that my martini glass is super large!! The recipe makes two martinis. Which I had no trouble fitting into my glass. Hmm. I think I'm starting to understand the previously-mentioned 3-hour nap phenomenon.
If you like the crisp refreshing taste of lemon in summer, this drink is the perfect way to celebrate National Martini Day!
Cheers!
📖 Recipe
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Limoncello Martini
Ingredients
- 4 shots vodka
- 2 shots Limoncello
- 1 shot orange liqueur triple sec or similar
- 1 TB fresh lemon juice
- ½ TB simple syrup
Instructions
- Juice half a lemon. If a sugar rim is desired, dip the rim of the glass into the juice and then immediately into some sugar spread out on a small plate. Repeat with second glass. Set aside
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Limoncello, orange liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
- Pour into the prepared glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
What to have with your Lemon Martini?
Need a classy appetizer to have with this Lemon Martini? How about Lemony Whipped Feta Dip?
Need a sweeter martini? Try a Midori Sour Martini,. You can even make it into a Baby Yoda Cocktail!
Or, for a creamier dessert type martini, check out my Baileys and Eggnog or Nutella Martini. Because every day should be National Martini Day!
Christie Gagnon
Oh yes, so good and refreshing!
Sula
The perfect combination right?
Amanda Marie Boyle
I love lemoncello! What a great way to have it! Love this drink!
Sula
I'm so glad you like it! Cheers!
Nicole Arciello
I love martinis and I love lemon! Thank you for doing so much research to bring us this! I am going have this tonight!
Sula
I think I will too!
Amy
This sounds soooo good! I've never had one before and with Spring settling in nicely and I can start entertaining outdoors, I'm so going to make these. I'm so glad you did so much "research" for me:)
Sula
I'm here to serve! LOL!!
Shelley
Hahaha - good idea not to agree with 007 - no need to take any chances! But what I DO neeeeeeed??? A sip of this pretty martini! (Well, ok ... maybe not at 10:30 in the morning ... I'm thinking like maybe later this evening lol ... 😉 ) This looks outstanding! Totally pinning this to my drinks board to find again later!
Sula
A little day drinking is sometimes ok - no judgement here!
Maria
Hi!
Am I correct in assuming that a shot = 1 ounce?
Sula
Shot glasses do very in size. I go with one shot = 1.5 ounces. This might be because I live in Wisconsin. 😎
However, if you prefer to use a 1 ounce size that should work just fine, since all the alcohol just needs to be within proportion to each other.
I will do testing on this to verify - oh darn! LOL
Beth
This drink is so delicious and refreshing! My hubby and I love it! Can't wait to make this again!
Sula
So glad you love it, I do too!
Kristin
Well, it's only 9 am but you have me craving a lemon martini, haha! Love this recipe, it's so easy and fun, and I have all the ingredients on hand! Can't wait to try this later this afternoon!!
Sula
Yes wait until at least 1:00PM. LOL
Sue
This is perfect for our steamy weather this week, and I make my own Limoncello, so I'm all set!
Sula
Your own Limoncello? Delish!
Lisa Huff
Lemon Drops are one of my favorites!! Can't wait to try at home!
Sula
Have fun with it!
Big Trouble
You are hilarious, first of all. I love the "research" you did for this recipe. What dedication! Lemon Drop Martinis are amazing, and your twist of adding simple syrup instead of regular sugar sounds way better. I'd think having sugar granules at the bottom of your drink would be gross. The sugar should stay around the rim, am I right?! Thanks for the new recipe, Sula! Happy Martini Day!
Sula
And Happy Martini Day to YOU! Don't forget to celebrate!