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If you love the tingle of vibrant, citrus-infused drinks, you are going to love this list of limoncello cocktails! These delightful cocktails make the most of the zesty flavor of limoncello, from making your own homemade limoncello to the classic limoncello spritz.
The sweet and tart flavor of limoncello elevates any drink and this list of cocktails is no exception to that. The liqueur itself is something to love, but when you incorporate it into classic cocktails, you get a whole new twist on a lemon cocktail.
Normally limoncello is served as a digestif, meaning that it is served after dinner. However, with this list of tasty lemon drinks, you can enjoy it before and during your favorite meals.
what is limoncello?
Limoncello is a distinctive lemon liqueur celebrated for its freshness, citrus vibrancy, and delightful sweetness. Its creation involves the maceration of lemon peels in alcohol, resulting in a drink that encapsulates the essence of lemon. Authentic limoncello begins with lemons sourced from the Amalfi Coast or the picturesque island of Capri.
This versatile liqueur serves as a refreshing standalone drink and an ideal ingredient for various cocktail recipes like the classic martini or spritz cocktail. If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up a bottle and savoring its chilled, lemon-kissed flavor. Just remember to give it at least an hour of chilling before indulging in its exquisite flavors.
what brand of limoncello should I buy?
This Italian lemon liqueur is from the Amalfi coast and is usually served as an apperitivo (before a meal) or digestivo (after a meal). It’s the essential ingredient in this cocktail! Mid-quality to high-quality is what I like to target to make sure that the flavor is on point.
My top recommendations include Pallini Limoncello. Other recommendations include Luxardo Limoncello, Sorrento Gioia Luisa Limoncello, and Limoncello di Capri.
Limoncello Spritz
A Limoncello Spritz is delicious, easy, and refreshing! With just three ingredients, you can craft this classic Italian cocktail for a sunny day spent on the patio. It’s a hit for any gathering and can easily be made to serve a crowd with a garnish of mint leaves. Time to pop the prosecco!
Limoncello Martini
A limoncello martini is perfect for entertaining or a relaxing evening at home. The simple four ingredient cocktail is sure to impress with its sweet and tangy lemon flavor. Impress your guests with your mixology skills and indulge in this refreshing drink that will transport you to the sunny streets of Italy.
Limoncello Gin Collins
A Limoncello Gin Collins is a fizzy and revitalizing cocktail that boasts a prominent lemon essence. The infusion of minty simple syrup acts as the perfect counterbalance to the tartness of fresh lemon juice and limoncello.
Limoncello Tonic
If you’re a fan of the classic gin and tonic, you’re in for a treat with the Limoncello and Tonic. This delightful twist swaps gin for limoncello, creating a sweet lemony blend that pairs exquisitely with the subtle bitterness of tonic water. It’s a must-try summer favorite!
Limoncello Strawberry Lemonade
Experience a refreshing spin on a summertime classic with the Limoncello Strawberry Lemonade. This recipe combines the tangy allure of lemonade with the sweetness of strawberries and the delightful kick of limoncello—a winning combination that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Lemon Meringue Shot
A whimsical Lemon Meringue Shot is a petite rendition of the lemon meringue martini that’s both fun and flavorful. This tiny cocktail captures the essence of a pie in a delightful sip, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Instant Pot Limoncello
Crafting Limoncello in an Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler. In just 30 minutes, you can create this zesty Italian gem using lemons, sugar, and your preferred spirit. This method eliminates all the complicated processes!
Easy Crema di Limoncello
Don’t have ready-made limoncello? No problem. With this recipe, you can enjoy an authentic Italian limoncello cocktail in just 24 hours, making it a convenient choice for upcoming gatherings.
Limoncello Lemonade
Limoncello Lemonade is a thirst-quenching drink that combines homemade lemonade with zesty Italian limoncello, resulting in a sweet-tart sipper. This cocktail is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from summer cookouts to baby showers! Add a sugared rim for extra flair.
Amalfi Limoncello Martini
A delightful and tart Amalfi Martini Limoncello is a delectable and straightforward limoncello martini recipe that incorporates gin for an enticing twist. You can use gin or vodka!
Raspberry Mango Limoncello Popsicles
For a cool and boozy treat, whip up these Raspberry Mango Popsicles. Bursting with the flavors of summer, these icy delights are ready in under 15 minutes.
Limoncello di Capri and Tonic
When you’re seeking a change from the usual gin, consider mixing Limoncello with tonic for a fabulous alternative worth trying.
Smashed Diva Limoncello Cocktail Recipe
This elegant sparkling watermelon cocktail features Limoncello, rose, and fresh basil! It’s perfect for a diva you know and love (including yourself!).
Homemade Limoncello
Create your own homemade Italian limoncello with this recipe! Whether it is for your own personal enjoyment or a special occasion, this lemon-infused spirit is the perfect way to conclude a meal. It also makes for a delightful gift!
my must-haves for limoncello cocktails
The only things you need for these limoncello drinks are typical barware items! I like to make sure that I have a cocktail shaker for cocktails that need a shake, cocktail strainer for an easy pour, jigger for measuring, mixing glass, and cocktail stirring spoon to stir.
Have a cutting board and chef’s knife nearby to prep your garnish! Slice a lemon wheel or lemon slice, create a lemon twist, etc.
Now when it comes to glasses, you don’t necessarily have to get fancy cocktail glasses! Just use whatever you have on hand, like martini glasses or double old fashioned glasses.
Of course, if you are in the market for glasses, some of my favorites include this Aperol spritz glass. These coupe glasses and stemless champagne flutes are also lovely options.
what is the best way to store limoncello?
Store limoncello is a cool, dark place after opening. Limoncello tastes best when it is chilled, so I recommend storing it in the refrigerator. Be sure to let the limoncello cool in the refrigerator for at least one hour prior to serving.
Note that if you purchase limoncello that is 100 proof or higher, you can also store it in the freezer without worrying about it freezing solid.
just one more thing…
Limoncello recipes ideally pair with one type of food… Italian food. Of course the lemony drinks above can pair with anything. I always prefer serving them before or after a lovely Italian meal. Here are some of my favorite recipes to enjoy with any of the drinks listed above:
If you are reading this in the cooler months of the year (in other words, fall or winter), I recommend trying these spicy italian stuffed peppers or Instant Pot short rib ragu.
For springtime or summertime, bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli or lemon ricotta pasta are lighter Italian recipes that are easy to make. Cheers!
