Limoncello Lemon Drop Recipe

Prepare glass

Place 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar on a small plate. Rub a fresh lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat evenly. Set glass aside in the freezer or fridge to keep chilled while mixing.

Juice lemons

If not already done, juice fresh lemons to yield at least 0.75 oz of juice per serving. Strain pulp and seeds through a fine-mesh sieve.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz limoncello, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. If using egg white or aquafaba for foam, add 0.5 egg white (about half a large egg white) or equivalent aquafaba now.

Dry shake (if using egg white/aquafaba)

If you added egg white or aquafaba, seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to emulsify and create foam.

Wet shake

Add 6 ice cubes to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is frosty and the drink is well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Double strain and serve

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled, sugar-rimmed coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any foam lumps. This yields a silky, clear lemon drop with a smooth foam (if used).

Garnish

Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, then drop the twist onto the drink. Optionally add 1 very small drop of lemon oil or a tiny pinch of zest on the foam for extra aroma.

Serve immediately while chilled. Encourage sipping to enjoy the balance of sweet limoncello, bright lemon, and the warming clarity of vodka.