17 Delicious limoncello cocktails: sweet, tart, and totally irresistible

1. Classic Limoncello Spritz

Classic Limoncello Spritz

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 3 oz prosecco
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Add limoncello and prosecco.
  • Top with soda water and gently stir.
  • Garnish with a lemon slice.

History:

The Limoncello Spritz is a modern twist on the classic Venetian spritz, incorporating the sunny, citrusy flavors of limoncello for a refreshing aperitif.

Tips:

For a sweeter spritz, substitute soda water with lemon-lime soda.

2. Limoncello Martini

Limoncello Martini

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add limoncello, vodka, and lemon juice.
  • Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

History:

The Limoncello Martini emerged as a sophisticated way to enjoy limoncello, blending the Italian liqueur with vodka for a strong yet smooth cocktail.

Tips:

Chill the martini glass in the freezer beforehand for the best serving experience.

3. Amalfi Coast Lemonade

Amalfi Coast Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 4 oz sparkling lemonade
  • Ice
  • Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour in limoncello and sparkling lemonade.
  • Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

History:

Inspired by the citrus orchards of the Amalfi Coast, this cocktail highlights the iconic pairing of limoncello and lemonade.

Tips:

Use freshly squeezed lemonade for a more vibrant flavor.

4. Limoncello Mojito

Limoncello Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz white rum
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  • Muddle mint leaves with lime juice in a glass.
  • Add limoncello, rum, and ice.
  • Top with soda water and stir gently.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge.

History:

This Italian twist on the classic mojito swaps the traditional sugar syrup for the sweet, citrusy notes of limoncello.

Tips:

Use crushed ice for a more authentic mojito experience.

5. Limoncello Mimosa

Limoncello Mimosa

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz limoncello
  • 3 oz chilled prosecco
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  • Pour limoncello into a champagne flute.
  • Add orange juice and top with prosecco.
  • Garnish with an orange slice.

History:

The Limoncello Mimosa is a citrusy variation of the traditional brunch cocktail, adding a burst of Italian sunshine with limoncello.

Tips:

Serve this cocktail chilled for the perfect brunch treat.

6. Lemon Basil Smash

Lemon Basil Smash

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 5 fresh basil leaves
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  • Muddle basil leaves and lemon juice in a shaker.
  • Add limoncello, gin, and ice, then shake well.
  • Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wheel.

History:

The Lemon Basil Smash combines the herbal notes of gin and basil with the zesty sweetness of limoncello, creating a refreshing and aromatic cocktail.

Tips:

Gently slap the basil leaves before muddling to release their aromatic oils.

7. Frozen Limoncello Margarita

Frozen Limoncello Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Lime wedge and salt for rimming

Instructions:

  • Rim a glass with salt and set aside.
  • Blend limoncello, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and crushed ice until smooth.
  • Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

History:

This frozen cocktail marries the tartness of a margarita with the sweetness of limoncello, perfect for summer evenings.

Tips:

For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the blend.

8. Limoncello Gin Fizz

Limoncello Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a shaker with ice and add limoncello, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
  • Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist.

History:

The Limoncello Gin Fizz is a modern take on the classic gin fizz, infusing it with a delightful lemony sweetness.

Tips:

For a creamier texture, add an egg white before shaking.

9. Blueberry Limoncello Cooler

Blueberry Limoncello Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Handful of fresh blueberries
  • Ice
  • Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  • Muddle blueberries in a shaker with lemon juice.
  • Add limoncello, vodka, and ice, then shake well.
  • Strain into a glass with ice and top with soda water.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig and extra blueberries.

History:

This fruity cocktail brings together blueberries and limoncello, offering a refreshing and colorful beverage.

Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of blueberry syrup.

10. Limoncello Sour

Limoncello Sour

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  • Combine limoncello, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
  • Garnish with a lemon wedge.

History:

The Limoncello Sour is a citrusy variation of the classic whiskey sour, blending the boldness of bourbon with the tartness of limoncello.

Tips:

Add a few dashes of bitters for extra depth of flavor.

11. Raspberry Limoncello Bellini

Raspberry Limoncello Bellini

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz limoncello
  • 2 oz raspberry puree
  • 4 oz prosecco
  • Fresh raspberries for garnish

Instructions:

  • Add raspberry puree and limoncello to a champagne flute.
  • Top with chilled prosecco and stir gently.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries.

History:

This cocktail combines the elegance of a Bellini with the tangy sweetness of limoncello and raspberries, perfect for romantic occasions.

Tips:

For a smoother texture, strain the raspberry puree before use.

12. Limoncello Margarita

Limoncello Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz tequila
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Salt for rimming
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  • Rim a glass with salt and set aside.
  • Combine limoncello, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

History:

The Limoncello Margarita is a sunny variation of the classic margarita, adding a bright, lemony twist to the traditional recipe.

Tips:

For a sweeter option, rim the glass with sugar instead of salt.

13. Lemon Lavender Fizz

Lemon Lavender Fizz

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz lavender syrup
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lavender sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  • Combine limoncello and lavender syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Top with soda water and garnish with a lavender sprig.

History:

This aromatic cocktail pairs the floral notes of lavender with the sweet and tart flavors of limoncello, creating a unique sensory experience.

Tips:

Adjust the lavender syrup to taste if you prefer a milder floral flavor.

14. Limoncello Mojito

Limoncello Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz soda water
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  • Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
  • Add lime juice, limoncello, and white rum.
  • Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

History:

The Limoncello Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, adding a citrusy, Italian-inspired flair.

Tips:

For extra zest, muddle lime wedges along with the mint and sugar.

15. Limoncello Collins

Limoncello Collins

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  • Combine limoncello, gin, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel.

History:

The Limoncello Collins reimagines the classic Tom Collins, replacing simple syrup with the vibrant sweetness of limoncello.

Tips:

Use sparkling water for a touch of extra fizz.

16. Limoncello Sunset

Limoncello Sunset

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1/2 oz grenadine
  • Ice
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a glass with ice and add limoncello and orange juice.
  • Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
  • Garnish with an orange slice.

History:

The Limoncello Sunset mimics the hues of a romantic sunset, combining citrus and sweet notes for a visually stunning drink.

Tips:

Serve in a clear glass to fully showcase the layered effect of the grenadine.

17. Limoncello Spritzer

Limoncello Spritzer

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz limoncello
  • 3 oz sparkling wine or prosecco
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  • Combine limoncello and soda water in a glass filled with ice.
  • Top with sparkling wine or prosecco.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

History:

The Limoncello Spritzer is a bubbly, refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of Italian aperitifs with its light and citrusy profile.

Tips:

Chill the glass beforehand for a more refreshing experience.