Quick Guide to Limoncello (2024)

FAQs

What is the proper way to drink limoncello? ›

Drinking it straight (and straight from the freezer) is by far the most common and preferred way to consume limoncello. Limoncello is considered a digestif (after-dinner drink), thought to aid digestion. It is much sweeter and generally lower in alcohol content than hard alcohols like vodka or whiskey.

Although limoncello is usually served in a shot glass or what some refer to as a “shooter”, the sweet drink is to be sipped, not taken as a shot. However, this is not a hard feat to accomplish because once you taste this delicious drink, you will want to take your time to enjoy every last drop.

Variation: Adding Lemon Juice

This will make the finished beverage more cloudy, while at the same time adding a sour note to the sweet, boozy lemon liqueur. The more juice you add, the more sour the finished liquid will become.

Although it's often served in a shot glass, people generally drink it in two or three sips. Check the bottle before buying it. The best-tasting Italian Limoncellos come from the Amalfi coast of Italy and use the sfusato Amalfitano lemon.

Limoncello has about a 30% alcohol content so while it may jump start your digestive enzymes, it will also get you DRUNK.

Does one store it in the refrigerator or freezer? Limoncello does not require refrigeration for long-term storage. However, as is the tradition along the Amalfi Coast, we highly recommend chilling Fiore Limoncello either in the refrigerator or preferably in the freezer for several hours prior to serving.

Limoncello and its ingredient pairings

Its dominant orange, lemon and citrus aromas can be paired with grapefruit, mango, black currant, blueberries, ginger, cinnamon, cheddar and triple sec.

Add limoncello, vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice into a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake until combined. Pour into a martini glass to serve. Substitutes: Maple syrup is a great sub for simple syrup. Pineapple vodka can be added for a tropical flavor.

Limoncello on its own is categorized as a digestif liqueur, meaning it's meant to be sipped on its own after a meal to aid in digestion. This is how limoncello is commonly used in Italy—after a meal, people stay at the table, either after dessert or during dessert, sharing limoncello and toasting to good health.

The high alcohol content of limoncello generally inhibits the growth of bacteria, making them unlikely to flourish. However, improper storage or contamination during the manufacturing process can potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.

Why is my homemade limoncello bitter? ›

The most important thing is to have as little pith [ the white stuff under the lemon peel ] as possible. Too much will make your limoncello bitter – drinkable but bitter. You can use a zester, vegetable peeler or an intensely sharp knife.

Don't oversteep!

My Recipes tell us that in doing so, the oil trapped in the skins of the lemons will slowly release, infusing the alcohol with the fruit's flavor and vibrant color! After this successful steeping process is when simple syrup is added to the maker's liking to sweeten up the bottle.

The perfect glass is either short-stemmed or a shot glass, this helps to keep the drink cool. In some parts of Italy, it is served in a chilled ceramic cup. In all cases, an authentic Limoncello in Italy must be served chilled to enjoy the flavour.

Limoncello is typically served plain without ice. Try adding ice to it if it tastes too warm or your glass warms up. You may enjoy serving limoncello as a shot rather than at a specific time. Don't be afraid to enjoy it however you like.

Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. Along the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, it is usually served in small ceramic glasses that are also chilled. This tradition has been carried into other parts of Italy.

A Limoncello spritz is sure to whisk you away to the south of Italy, where Italians sip on the bright, sweet, and tart Limoncello liqueur as an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Add in Prosecco, club soda, and a few citrus slices and you have a festive sparkling co*cktail.

For those who prefer their limoncello on the rocks or in a co*cktail, an old-fashioned glass is a versatile choice. It's great to drink limoncello with a few ice cubes or mixed with other ingredients.

Its dominant orange, lemon and citrus aromas can be paired with grapefruit, mango, black currant, blueberries, ginger, cinnamon, cheddar and triple sec.