Limoncello Martini Recipe

This creamy limoncello martini recipe has the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavor with a good dose of boozy limoncello and vodka. If you want a good lemon cocktail this one goes down smooth and tastes like a dessert. I use sugar free ingredients, which makes this cocktail extra enticing for keto and low carb diet followers. 

Ahhh, you didn’t think I shared how to make limoncello just to keep it stashed in your freezer did you? Oh sure, you can find limoncello in grocery stores or liquor stores, but why buy it when you can make the best tasting homemade limoncello right in your own kitchen?

My light and refreshing limoncello spritz is my go-to cocktail, but now it’s time for something different and you are going to love this cocktail too.

If you made the sugar free version of my limoncello, then you have a perfect keto cocktail. Who needs to head out to fancy martini bars when you can shake up your own in just minutes.

Why you’ll love this martini

If you enjoy a good lemon drop martini recipe then you will love this creamy version even more!

• You can control the ingredients. Want a little more booze? Add an extra ounce or two of limoncello or vodka.
• Homemade cocktails are more economical. Martinis can cost over $15 dollars for a drink made with sugary ingredients that don’t taste good.
• Easy to set up a do it yourself cocktail drink station when entertaining.

What is limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur originating is Southern Italy. It’s usually served in a small liquor glass or little shot glass and it’s meant to be sipped after a hearty meal to help settle a full stomach.

Limoncello martini recipe

For this martini I rimmed the glass with graham crackers for aesthetics, but mostly enjoy this martini without any additional treats on the rim of the glass.

Also, note that there is a creamy base, plenty of boozy flavor and a dollop of sugar free whipped cream for convenience. If you need to make a trip to the store just for the ready made Cool Whip, feel free to whip up your own.

Note that you only need a tablespoon per cocktail to add the creaminess that is so delicious.

Here’s how to make just a tablespoon or two of homemade whipped cream:

1. Add 2 ounces of heavy whipping cream to a glass like a small juice jar.
2. With a hand milk frother whip until whipping cream is light and fluffy. It will double in size.
3. Note: The limoncello is plenty sweet, so I don’t always add additional sugar to the homemade whipped cream. I do like to include a 1/8th teaspoon of vanilla extract to whipped cream.

Ingredients for limoncello martini with vodka

For the classic martini you only need two ingredients; gin and dry vermouth. However, vodka is often used in place of gin, which is what is used in this recipe. For this creamy martini version you will need the following ingredients:

• Purchase any brand of limoncello or make your own limoncello following my recipe
• Vodka – use your favorite brand. You don’t need anything fancy.
• Heavy cream
• Whipped cream – see above to make your own.
• Fresh lemons for garnish (optional) – lemon slices or lemon peel
• Granulated sugar for a sugar rim or graham cracker crumbs added to the rim of the martini glass
• Ice

Helpful bar tools

• Martini cocktail shaker
• Martini glass
• Jigger
• Peeler to garnish with lemon

Steps to make a creamy martini

Pick and prepare the glass

There are specific martini glasses, but if you don’t have that style you can use a coupe glass or any other glass that has a wide mouth. Place in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes to get them nice and cold.

If you serving with sugared rims or adding graham cracker crumbs, prepare the rim of the glass by rubbing a lemon wedge on the rim before dipping in a shallow plate with sugar or cracker crumbs.

Mix ingredients

Next, add all the ingredients in an cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Pour into prepared chilled martini glass.

Garnish

Make your glass pretty by adding a fresh raspberry, blueberry or top with lemon zest, a small lemon wedge or a lemon twist.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?

My recommendation is to mix and enjoy right away. You will lose the creaminess if you let this cocktail sit for more that 20 minutes. Plus, it’s always fun to shake all the ingredients and pour into the glass.

If you plan to serve this cocktail for a crowd, then I would recommend having several cocktail shakers available. The more shakers, the faster you can enjoy this limoncello martini!

If you love lemon flavor then this cocktail is for you! Let me know if you gave this a try.

Love lemon cocktails?

Try this Spiked Lemonade Recipe!

PIN TO YOUR COCKTAIL AND PARTY BOARDS