Limoncello Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

I’ve gotta admit, there’s something magic about a Limoncello Espresso Martini. The bright citrus and bold coffee just work. It’s smooth and feels special, but honestly, you can whip it up with hardly any fuss.

I’ll show you how to make this cocktail at home—just a handful of ingredients, nothing complicated.

When you mix sweet lemon liqueur with rich espresso, your taste buds wake right up. I’ll walk you through the tools and ingredients you’ll need. Let’s talk about how to shake it just right and what kind of flavors you’ll get in every sip.

This drink gives the classic espresso martini a refreshing twist. Honestly, I think it’s a little addictive.

Limoncello Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about the combo of lemon and espresso that just pops. You only need a few fresh ingredients, the right tools, and a good shake to get that smooth, foamy top.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I grab a metal one; it chills the drink so fast.
• Strainer – This lets me pour without getting ice shards in my glass.
• Jigger – Honestly, measuring keeps the flavors on point.
• Espresso machine or strong coffee maker – Fresh espresso makes all the difference.
• Fine mesh sieve – Not required, but I use it to catch stray coffee grounds.
• Martini glass – I like to pop it in the freezer first.
• Bar spoon – Handy for layering or a gentle stir if you need it.

I always rinse my tools before using them. No one wants old flavors sneaking in.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (let it cool a bit)
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (totally optional)
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Lemon twist or coffee beans for garnish

Homemade limoncello just tastes brighter, in my opinion. The espresso should be strong, but not so bitter it takes over. If it’s too hot, you’ll melt the ice and water the whole thing down.

Instructions

• Pop your martini glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
• Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool a bit.
• Fill your shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in vodka, limoncello, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
• Shake it hard for 15 seconds—really go for it until the shaker feels icy.
• Strain into your chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or a few coffee beans.

I always shake like I mean it to get that foamy top. Sometimes I’ll add a bit more espresso and use less syrup if I want the coffee to stand out.

Notes

Serve this cocktail right after shaking so the foam stays thick—timing matters! Cold ingredients keep it crisp and refreshing.

Sometimes I skip the coffee liqueur and use extra limoncello for a lighter feel. Want it creamy? Add a splash of half-and-half before you shake.

Finding the right balance between sweet and bitter depends on your espresso and limoncello. I just tweak things until it tastes right to me. Isn’t that half the fun?

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s bright and smooth, almost unexpectedly so. The lemon flavor from the limoncello jumps out, bringing this gentle citrus aroma that just feels clean and fresh.

As I keep sipping, the espresso steps in with some warmth and depth. It balances out the sweetness, and that slight bitterness saves the drink from getting too sugary.

The coffee flavor kind of hangs around on my tongue, which I actually like. The texture’s silky, and there’s this soft foam on top that makes each sip feel a bit special.

If you shake the drink well, those flavors really come together, giving it a creamy finish. I start to notice tiny hints of vanilla and chocolate from the espresso, and they mix in with the lemon in a way that just works.

The whole thing tastes balanced—not too tart, not too rich. I usually serve it chilled in a coupe glass.

Honestly, the scent of lemon mixed with roasted coffee always draws me in and makes the drink feel extra inviting.