Lemon lovers rejoice with this Limoncello Martini! A shaken martini with vodka, limoncello, triple sec, lemon juice, and a thyme simple syrup. These are a great cocktail to serve at a party or when you want to sip on something that’s not too sweet.
WHAT IS LIMONCELLO
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liquor that’s also somewhat sweet and a little syrupy. While it can range between 25%-30% alcohol, limoncello is so smooth and you can even enjoy it on the rocks!
It can depend a little on the store where exactly you’ll find the limoncello, but I usually find it with other specialty liqueurs and usually there is only 1 or 2 brands to select from. This limoncello brand is one I buy often!
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need from your cocktail bar and fridge for this recipe!
- Vodka
- Limoncello
- Orange liqueur like triple sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau.
- Thyme simple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
BAR TOOLS
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glass or jigger
- Pot and measuring cup to make the simple syrup
HOW TO MAKE THYME SIMPLE SYRUP
I promise you it’s easy! Trust me, if I’m making a cocktail recipe with it it’s gotta be easy! Simple syrups are a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar. Some recipes stick to only needing this basic simple syrup, but you can also make versions that are infused with other flavors! Like in this Pomegranate Elderflower Cocktail that uses a rosemary simple syrup.
Here’s how to make this herbed thyme simple syrup for our limoncello martinis.
Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to boil.
Step 2: Once boiling, pour in 1 cup of sugar and stir so the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, turn off the heat.
Step 3: Add a large bundle of fresh thyme sprigs to the pot, cover, and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Once the steeping is completed, carefully remove the thyme sprigs. Your simple syrup is ready to use!
It’s so easy! You can keep the simple syrup in your fridge for up to 2 weeks, so keep a batch of this on hand for happy hours and cocktail parties.
For more drink recipes you might want to try some of these!
Limoncello vodka
Black eyed Susan
If you’re planning a party, here are some tasty snacks to serve with your limoncello martinis!
Baked Brie in Phyllo Cups
Fried Brie
Whipped Avocado
Whipped Feta
5 ingredient Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
Limoncello Martini
A limoncello martini is a bright and citrusy martini! A shaken blend of limoncello, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and a thyme simple syrup. Make this on a warm day and enjoying the refreshing lemon flavors. Recipe below is for 2 martinis.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 martinies
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 ounces vodka
2 ounces limoncello
2 ounces triple sec
4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons thyme simple syrup (recipe below)
Thyme Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 large handful fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
1. Start by making the thyme simple syrup. Bring the cup of water to boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the cup of sugar and stir to dissolve. Once dissolved, remove from heat and add the large handful of thyme sprigs. Cover and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Then, remove the thyme sprigs and you’ve got thyme simple syrup! Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. To make the martinis, fill a cocktail shaker about 3/4 full of ice. Add the vodka, triple sec, limoncello, lemon juice and thyme simple syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds. Strain into martini glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and a thyme sprig.
Enjoy!
I halved everything except the simple syrup and found it enough for two servings. Delicious!!
Glad you liked it! Cheers!