Lemons are one of our favorite ingredients and garnishes for a refreshing cocktail. It’s only natural that the Italian lemon liqueur, Limoncello, finds its way into many summer cocktails. Limoncello is often described as packing a punch with a touch of sweetness. Each of these cocktails are perfect to consume throughout the year but we love enjoying them during the summer season and imagine we’re looking over the colorful cliffs of Positano. Sip on these Limoncello cocktails that will transport you to Italy.
Limoncello Gin Tonic
This is a spin on the classic “Tom Collins” recipe, which typically calls for gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Adding limoncello upgrades the classic cocktail by adding more citrus notes to the drink.
Add limoncello, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and stir. You can garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.
Yellow Negroni
The yellow Negroni has a modern story compared to the class Negoni, created by Sam Difford in 2017 at the Cabinet Room in London England. The cocktail has five equal parts and is Pisco based. It also utilizes three of the most common yellow based spirits: Limoncello, Gentian, and Chartreuse Jaune.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail glass, fill with ice, stir, and serve.
Italian Sun
It’s believed this drink was created in 2002 by Dan Spink at Browns on Martin Lane, in London, England. This cocktail is a unique concoction that adds the sweetness of limoncello with hazelnut liqueur into white wine. The cocktail also uses fresh squeezed lemon juice to bring out the citrus flavors.
Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Amalfi Martini
A cocktail inspired by one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you can’t make it out to the Amalfi Coast this summer, the Amalfi Martini will surely take you there after one sip. This cocktail utilizes the rich taste of the Amalfi lemons that are used to make the Limoncello. Limoncello straight from the source may be hard to find, but you can use whatever you can get your hands on. For a zesty kick, add a rosemary or thyme sprig to the glass.
Add your sprigs of rosemary and thyme to your cocktail shaker along with the lime juice. Muddle your mixture a little before adding the vodka, limoncello, and ice. Shake the mixture well and strain to avoid any of the herbs from spilling into your drink. Garnish your glass with a sprig of rosemary and serve.
Raspberry Limoncello Cocktail
A fruity cocktail always has its moment. The sweetness of the raspberries blended with the kick of limoncello make for an interesting flavor combination that is ideal for a hot summer day. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or having a relaxing evening in the backyard, this is another easy-to-make cocktail.
Add your raspberries to a cocktail shaker and muddle, then fill with ice. Fill the shaker with the rest of your ingredients then shake well. Make sure to strain your mixture over a fine strainer to avoid the raspberry seeds. Top the drink off with club soda then add a lemon wedge to the rim. If you want even more raspberries, toss a couple on top and enjoy!
Amalfitano
Take the classic Cuban favorite and give it an Italian twist. If you love the flavors of a mojito, this is the cocktail for you. The name pays homage to the birthplace of limoncello while acknowledging the minty cocktail.
Add your mint leaves to a glass with the lime juice and sugar. Crush lightly to bring out the rich minty flavors. Make sure you don’t muddle the leaves too hard. This will cause them to break, leaving you with leafy bits in your drink. Add in your rum and limoncello and give it a gentle stir. Add your bitters to the mixture, give it another stir, then add ice. Fill the glass with the club soda, garnish with a mint leaf and sip away.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.