Italian Lemon Cream Martini

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 1 Servings

If you spent the winter sipping on espresso martinis, let the arrival of spring be your sign that it’s time to shake up your cocktail hour order. This Italian lemon cream martini has become my go-to after-dinner drink to sip on the porch or to share with friends. The drink starts with sunny limoncello, a sweet Italian liquor made from steeped lemon peels, and fresh lemon juice for a nuanced lemon flavor. A splash of heavy cream makes this cocktail light and frothy. I promise that every sip of this easy-drinking, creamy limoncello cocktail feels like an Italian vacation.

Ingredients

1 3/4 ounces limoncello
1 1/2 ounces cold heavy cream
1 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
Ice
1 lemon peel or finely grated lemon zest, for garnish

Instructions

Refrigerate or freeze a martini or coupe glass for 5 minutes.
Place 1 3/4 ounces limoncello, 1 1/2 ounces cold heavy cream, 1 ounce vodka, 3/4 ounce lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup if using in a cocktail shaker. Seal the shaker (without ice) and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. (This is referred to as a “dry shake.” It’s good for incorporating the dairy before adding ice to the shaker.)
Add enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Seal the shaker again and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 15 seconds. Pour through a strainer into the chilled glass. Garnish with 1 lemon peel or finely grated lemon zest.