Sage Limoncello Martini

This sage limoncello martini beautifully balances vodka, limoncello and lemon juice. The longer the sage floats, the tastier it gets. It’s a lemon lover’s dream and is guaranteed to satisfy.

A few weeks ago, we went to dinner with our niece, Elizabeth. Like me, she loves a good mixed drink, and we often confab over delicious cocktails. She’s a bit more adventurous than I am. She’ll try new drinks when we go out.

Me? Not so much!

That’s not to say that I won’t try a different cocktail when I visit people’s houses or when I’m home and can make it myself. But when I have to pay for it? I want a sure thing.

Of course, the “sure thing” is rarely assured. I’m not likely to get the exact same cocktail from one restaurant to another. It’s not like Starbucks, where I know if I order a grande, decaf, non-fat, extra hot, no whip, one-pump mocha, every store will make it the same way. Pretty much.

When I go to a restaurant and get my usual Grey Goose dirty martini, it doesn’t always come out the way I like it. Sometimes, there is too little brine, which makes it dirty. Or too much vermouth, heaven forbid! So, it never really tastes the same. I can’t do anything about too much vermouth, but I can request more brine if it’s not dirty enough.

Well, at this great restaurant, I got the usual, and Elizabeth got a lemon sage martini. I knew I had to make it for the blog when I tasted it. It’s rather yummy, and I’d make it here at home for a dinner party. Or just because.

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What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is a vibrant Italian lemon liqueur celebrated for its robust lemon zest flavor. Produced predominantly in Southern Italy, particularly in the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri and Sicily, it is made by steeping lemon peels in high-quality spirits until the natural oils and aromas have been fully extracted. 

The resulting mixture is combined with a simple syrup to create a sweet, intensely citrusy digestif. Often served chilled as a refreshing post-dinner palate cleanser, limoncello can also be a lively ingredient in cocktail recipes, contributing a bright and zesty note to the beverage.

Helpful tips

• It’s good practice to wash your citrus before either juicing or using as garnish. Since we’re only using 1 – 2 lemons, I wash them by squirting some unscented natural hand soap in my hand, take each lemon, and rub the soap on the skin. Next, I take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. I run each lemon under cold water making sure all of the soap has washed off.
• Or you can buy this cloth that is coarse on one side and smooth on the other. Here’s how to use it. Wet the cloth, then thoroughly rub the fruit’s skin on the coarse side. I usually do this under continuous cool/cold water, and then I rinse the fruit thoroughly.
• Use any brand of limoncello you like. If you can’t find the Petrone pictured here, no worries.
• Roll the leaves lightly between your hands before placing them in the glass to elevate the aroma of sage in your martini. This action releases the natural oils and intensifies the herbal fragrance.
• If you’re making the cocktail for guests, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Add the ice and shake before serving to ensure it’s chilled and well-mixed.
• Consider chilling your martini glasses beforehand. A cold glass can keep your cocktail cooler longer and enhance the drinking experience.
• Be mindful of the limoncello’s sweetness when using a different brand. You may need to adjust the amount of lemon juice accordingly.
• Always taste your cocktail before serving. Balance is key in a good cocktail, and personal preferences for sweetness, sourness, and strength vary widely. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
• Although I use vodka in the recipe, it also is nice with gin.

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What food pairings work well with a Sage Limoncello Martini?

This cocktail pairs nicely with various appetizers, especially seafood and cheese-based dishes. It also complements pasta dishes with lighter sauces.

How to make a limoncello martini

Pre-step

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and get a measuring glass and two martini glasses.

After measuring out each ingredient, pour it into the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – Limoncello, vodka and lemons.

Step two

Measure 6 ounces of vodka. (A)

Step three

Measure 2 ounces limoncello.

Step three

Measuring out 1 ounce of lemon juice. (C)

Step four

Cap shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain and divide the liquid between the two martini glasses and get a few sage leaves for the garnish. (D)

Step five

Float a few sage leaves in each limoncello martini.

It’s such a pretty cocktail.

Let’s see the vertical view.

And the overhead view.

I lift the glass and sip. Yum!

I hope you enjoyed this sage limoncello martini recipe!

More lemon drinks

• Lemon curd margarita
• Lemon meringue cocktail
• Lemon drop martini
• Limoncello spritz

And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!