The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a modern variation of the classic Lemon Drop Martini, which is itself a variation of the classic martini cocktail. The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini incorporates limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, to add a zesty and sweet twist to the traditional lemon-flavored martini.
The history of the Lemon Drop Martini can be traced back to the 1970s in the United States. The drink is credited to Norman Jay Hobday, a bartender and saloon owner in San Francisco, who is said to have created the original Lemon Drop cocktail at his bar, Henry Africa's, sometime around 1972. The original Lemon Drop was made with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec, and it was served with a sugared rim on the glass.
The addition of limoncello to the Lemon Drop Martini is a more recent innovation, and it is not clear when or where this variation was first created. Limoncello itself has a long history in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Capri, where it has been produced for centuries using locally grown lemons. The liqueur is made by steeping lemon peels in high-proof alcohol and then mixing the infusion with a sugar syrup.
The Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini combines the tart and refreshing flavors of the traditional Lemon Drop with the sweet, lemony intensity of limoncello. It is typically made with vodka, limoncello, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. Like the original Lemon Drop, the Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is often served in a martini glass with a sugared rim.
Overall, the Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini is a modern twist on a classic cocktail, and it reflects the continuing evolution and creativity in the world of mixology.
Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Ingredients
For the rim
• 2 tbsp Caster sugar (superfine)
• Lemon zest
For the cocktail
• Ice cubes
• 25 ml Limoncello
• 25 ml Sugar syrup
• 25 ml Lemon juice
• Lemon slice to garnish
Instructions
For the rim
• First, place the sugar on a flat plate or surface, then zest your lemon over the sugar. Gently wipe a fresh lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and then turn it upside down and twist it gently on the lemon sugar until you have an even coating around your rim.
2 tbsp Caster sugar (superfine), Lemon
For the cocktail
• Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker, then add limoncello, 22 Salute vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Firmly secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and then shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
Ice cubes, 25 ml Limoncello, 25 ml Vodka, 25 ml Sugar syrup, 25 ml Lemon juice
• Now, using your Hawthorne strainer, carefully pour your limoncello martini into your glass. Garnish with a lemon slice
Lemon slice
• Bellissimo – sunshine in a cocktail glass – enjoy!