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Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that is prepared from lemon zest. To make this revitalizing masterpiece, lemon peels are drenched in highly concentrated ethanol or vodka till oil is produced. The resulting yellow liquid is then blended with simple syrup, leading to the creation of the juicy Limoncello. As preparing this drink is relatively easy, many people prefer to make Limoncello at home, especially on the Southern coast of Italy, in the regions of Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri, where the drink is believed to have originated.
In its native Italy, Limoncello is enjoyed as both a pre-dinner aperitif as well as a post-dinner digestive. Being rich and flavour-packed in texture and taste, the drink can be consumed neat; in fact, it quite often is. However, it is also a wonderful complement to cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists prefer Limoncello because its contrasting undertones of sweetness as well as intensity have the ability to elevate a simple cocktail to the next level. And what’s more, it is extremely easy to craft Limoncello cocktails at home!
Take a look at some of the most prominent Limoncello-based cocktails.
Limoncello Lemon Drop
A Lemon Drop is a delightfully sweet and slightly acidic vodka-infused cocktail. The addition of Limoncello to this drink is guaranteed to take its rich flavours up a notch, helping create a bubbly and appetizing cocktail. In addition to vodka and Limoncello, lemon juice is needed to craft this drink; to prepare the drink combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake them thoroughly. Simultaneously, pour the mixture into a martini glass, and garnish it with a lime wheel, if you wish.
Image Credits: Freepik
Limoncello Moscow Mule
Similar to the Lemon Drop, the Moscow Mule also boasts a vodka base. This boozy and exhilarating cocktail combines varied ingredients, such as vodka, lime juice, craft beer, and of course, Limoncello, to produce a highly sublime and feisty cocktail. To prepare the drink, blend all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Once blended to a satisfactory degree, strain the concoction into traditional mule mugs; your enchanting Limoncello Moscow Mule is now ready to relish!
Limoncello Gin and Tonic
This cocktail is a twist on the classic Gin and Tonic; the sweet notes of Limoncello seamlessly combine with the sourness and bitterness of gin to help create a multilayered and irresistible cocktail. In addition to gin and Limoncello, one requires lemon juice and club coda to prepare this heady concoction. As usual, the different ingredients should be shaken thoroughly in a cocktail mixer, and then strained into glasses. This fuzzy drink can be further elevated with the addition of some simple syrup to up its sweetness quotient.
Limoncello Spritz
The Limoncello Spritz is an offshoot of the iconic Aperol Spritz; it blends bubbly sparkling wine with club soda to give rise to an easy, breezy cocktail that is perfect for all occasions. This drink can be crafted in three simple steps. First, introduce the Limoncello in a glass with some ice to ensure the glass is chilled. Then, add the sparkling wine and club soda to the drink to give it a bubbly and effervescent texture. Lastly, garnish the drink some mint and savour each sip!
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Bourbon Limoncello Cocktail
The smoothness of Bourbon pairs well with the effervescence of Limoncello to craft a well-balanced and heavenly cocktail concoction. A favourite during evening parties and gatherings, this cocktail is packed with the fresh notes of Limoncello and the sour kick of Bourbon, which make it similar to the Whiskey Sour in a many ways. It is recommended to use fresh lemon juice and peach preserves while preparing this drink to lend its taste profile some richness and complexity. Top the drink off with a hint of mint and serve it!
Limoncello Sunrise
Inspired by the brilliant and colourful cocktail, Tequila Sunrise, Limoncello Sunrise is a visually appealing and enticing cocktail that swaps out the Tequila for Limoncello. Ingredients required to prepare this blissful concoction include Limoncello, fresh lemon juice, and a sweet bar syrup made from pomegranates. The inclusion of this syrup is vital as it enhances the bright colour of the Limoncello, helping produce the sunrise effect that the cocktail is named after.
