Feeling the winter blues? Picture this: a sunny Italian lemon grove with a view of the sea and the heavenly smell of citrus in the air. Though the winter weather outside may be frightful, you’re a sip away from summer with the bright, fresh flavor of a limoncello aperitif. Whether you’re popping the top of one of the many celebrated brands of limoncello or brewing up your own, this excellent liqueur is one to savor.
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is a lemon liqueur hailing from coastal cities in southern Italy. It is believed to have originated in Naples, though it is produced throughout Italy. It is opaque yellow in color and bears a lemon aroma and rich mouthfeel. The sweet and tart citrus flavor packs a punch–think supercharged lemonade, assertive and robust–though its 30% ABV makes it extremely drinkable and perfect for whiling away an afternoon.
How Limoncello is Made
A bottle of limoncello always comes in handy. The light and sweet liqueur pairs perfectly with salty snacks during cocktail hour, and it is also favored for its soothing properties as a post-meal digestif. Made with a rectified spirit like highly distilled grain alcohol, limoncello is a refreshing blend of alcohol, lemon zest, and sugar. The cloudiness of the liqueur comes from the chemical reaction of alcohol with lemon zest’s essential oils, which are also the source of limoncello’s distinctive flavor and aroma.
How to Make Your Own Limoncello
DIY Limoncello is so easy! While there are many delectable brands of limoncello, making your own is a great activity for any home mixologist. Though it takes some patience, your efforts will be richly rewarded. As with many liqueurs, the magic ingredient in limoncello is time. It also pays to use premium ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
Requiring only three ingredients, limoncello is a masterpiece of simplicity. To make it at home, simply combine lemon peels or zest (use a vegetable peeler and avoid the pith!) with a bottle of premium vodka (750 ml). Titos or Grey Goose works well, and, if you’re feeling fancy, splurge for Meyer lemons, which offer a sweet, velvety finish.
Seal up your container and store in a cool, dry place for a week to a month–the flavor will become stronger the longer it ages. When it is the desired strength, strain out the zest and add about a cup of simple syrup–more or less depending on your personal sweet tooth–and chill. Viola! You’re done, and your fresh batch of limoncello is ready to serve.
Limoncello Cocktails
Classic French 75
While limoncello is divine on its own, it’s also a delight in cocktails. For an Amalfi twist on a classic French 75, combine 1 oz limoncello with 1.5 oz gin in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake well, and strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass. Top with prosecco to make your Italian 75 sparkle. Next stop, Italy.
For a contemporary twist on an old favorite, use limoncello to make a beautifully floral Lavender Lemon Drop. Combine 1 oz limoncello with 2 oz lavender-infused vodka over ice. Stir well, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lemon peel and a sprig of lavender. It’s springtime in a cocktail glass.
