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Italian Lemon Cream Martini Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

The Italian Lemon Cream Martini is a luxurious, dessert-inspired cocktail that blends the bright citrus notes of limoncello with smooth vanilla vodka and rich cream. This elegant drink captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast’s lemon groves in a silky, refreshing martini that tastes like lemon gelato folded into panna cotta. Perfect for after-dinner indulgence or celebratory sipping, its creamy texture and vibrant flavor make it a standout cocktail for sophisticated gatherings and warm-weather sipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquor

  • 2 oz limoncello – Traditional Italian lemon liqueur with bright citrus flavor
  • 1 oz vanilla vodka – Smooth and subtly sweet vodka

Dairy

  • 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half – For creamy, luxurious body

Sweetener (Optional)

  • ½ oz simple syrup – To balance acidity and add sweetness

Other

  • Ice – For chilling and dilution
  • Lemon twist or sugared rim (optional) – For garnish and added citrus aroma

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Glass (Optional): Moisten the rim of a martini glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into white sugar on a shallow plate. Set aside to let the sugar adhere while you prepare the drink.
  2. Combine the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add 2 oz limoncello, 1 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half, and ½ oz simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
  3. Shake Well: Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled, creamy, and lightly frothy.
  4. Strain and Pour: Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass, resulting in a soft lemony-yellow drink with a creamy opacity.
  5. Garnish: Add a lemon twist for a burst of citrus aroma or leave the sugared rim as the garnish to enhance the dessert-like presentation.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the martini freshly shaken and cold for the best silky consistency and flavor.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, preferably Italian-imported limoncello for authentic flavor.
  • Choose a smooth vanilla vodka for the best dessert-like taste.
  • Heavy cream will yield a richer texture; half-and-half offers a lighter finish.
  • Adjust the simple syrup depending on the sweetness of your limoncello.
  • Chill your martini glass beforehand for a frosty presentation.
  • The drink can be made ahead by mixing the alcohol and cream, then refrigerated for up to 24 hours and shaken with ice before serving.
  • Non-dairy creamers or ultra-pasteurized creams may not blend properly.

Keywords: Italian Lemon Cream Martini, limoncello cocktail, creamy lemon martini, dessert cocktail, vanilla vodka drink, summer cocktail, Amalfi Coast drink