This Amalfi Martini Limoncello is a delicious and easy limoncello martini recipe made with gin.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I am a huge fan of citrus and a limoncello gin cocktail is right up my alley!
I always want cocktails that are citrus or earthy based, and this Italian cocktail has both!
Because of the amazing and delicious lemons in Amalfi, I named this cocktail after the beautiful city.
I remember pulling into Amalfi on a train, coming around a corner, and right out onto the edge of a cliff with buildings on the cliffside, beautiful waters, and a gorgeous Italian sun setting over the water.
Limoncello is alcoholic, so making a gin martini with limoncello will result in a strong kick.
Serve it over ice in a rocks or collins highball glass.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients you need for this Italian martini recipe:
- Limoncello
- Gin
- Lemon Juice
- Fresh Mint
The mint is very, very subtle in this Amalfi Martini Limoncello.
It is not meant to be strong like a mojito. Just a subtle nod toward freshness and brightness.
Use as much or as little as you like, but I found this recipe to be just perfect for a slight mint hint without being too forward.
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is a delicious, and strong, lemon flavored liqueur that originates from Southern Italy.
Specifically, Amalfi on the southern coast is known for their lemons.
I was able to visit Amalfi when I was living in Italy for college and the lemons are HUGE! They are the size of a football, and that is not an exaggeration.
They are so famous for their lemons that you can find limoncello everywhere in Italy, especially in the south.
How is Limoncello made?
Limoncello is easy to make at home! You can also try it with other citrus fruits.
My favorite is a grapefruit-cello!
To make a limoncello, the rinds of lemons are soaked in alcohol (typically vodka or vodka mixed with everclear).
It is important that little to no pith (the white part between the yellow skin and the inner lemon) is used because it can make it bitter.
They you let it soak for a while, with the lemon peels giving their flavor and color to the liquid (while they turn white!).
Add some simple syrup and you have limoncello!
It is popular as an after dinner cordial in Italy and also a great liqueur to use in Italian cocktails.
Gin or Vodka?
Martinis can be made with both gin and vodka.
This Amalfi Martini Limoncello is great with gin because it provides a subtle earthy balance behind the lemon.
But if desired, you can definitely use vodka in place of the gin for this limoncello drink recipe.
Modifications and Substitutions
You can also turn it into a limoncello gin cocktail by adding some club soda, tonic water, or something similar!
FAQs
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is a delicious, and strong, lemon flavored liqueur that originates from Southern Italy.
Is limoncello an alcohol?
Yes, it is a liqueur. Typically made with vodka as the base with sugars and lemon added.
What type of lemons are used in limoncello?
Traditionally, lemons from Sorrento are used. Sorrento is near Naples and the Amalfi coast, known for their lemons.
Amalfi Martini Limoncello Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gin (or vodka if preferred)
- 3 ounces limoncello
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
- 6 mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine the gin, limoncello, lemon juice, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Fill 2/3 with ice and shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into two martini glasses, preferably chilled.
- Garnish as desired with lemon peels, lemon wedges, and mint leaves.
Very yummy!!!
I love martinis, and I LOVE Limoncello. What a beautiful and refreshing cocktail!
Will surely make this one again! Highly recommended! Thanks a lot for sharing this martini recipe! Fam loves it and requested for gatherings! Well done!
I really love the addition of mint in this recipe. It made a very unique and delicious limoncello cocktail. Yummy ‘
J’ai fait le cocktail … plus léger l’été
This was a yummy drink! I will definitely be making it again!
This drink sounds delicious! I love the color of it too, so pretty and refreshing looking. Thanks for the share!
This is exactly what I need after this long day! This would be wonderful and I will be trying it ASAP!
It came out great!
Love martinis! I should try this out.
Very nice! I just bottled some limoncello today and came to Pinterest to find a martini recipe. I used vodka but I can see how the gin would go really well with this drink too. The mint gives it a great fresh herbal taste.
made it, was very yum. I did a little less gin cause i ran out