Limoncello is a fruity lemon liqueur originating from Italy’s southern tail. Its exact origin is disputed, though there is little argument about how popular the drink has become. The beverage sits on the lighter side of the ABV scale and is often associated with a post-meal refreshment.
The citrus-flavored drink may be a relative unknown to those new to the world of sweeter liquors, though it is easy to acquire a taste for and able to be found in most areas. For those looking for more information about everything surrounding the Italian beverage, we will discuss how to drink limoncello.
What Is Limoncello?
Limoncello will not give off the appearance of a translucent, clear color or the golden-brown hue of darker liquors. It has a bright yellow color that is a reflection of the lemon zest used to create the product.
While it may look like a drink made for spring breakers and tourists getting a little loose at the end of the day, it was primarily used as a drink to help aid digestion. The taste is not for those who prefer a bitter, spicy beverage. Limoncello is uniquely sweet, with one of the most prominent citrus flavors you will ever taste in an unmixed liquor.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Limoncello?
There is not the same standard of alcohol by volume (ABV) that is given to other liquors, such as tequila and bourbon, though limoncello usually sits on the lighter side. On average, a bottle of limoncello will have around 30% ABV, though there is a large variety from one brand to another.
How to Serve Limoncello?
It is almost universally recommended to let the bottle sit in a freezer and be poured immediately into a shot glass once it is exposed to normal temperatures. The reason behind this speedy and icy pour is simple: It is believed to aid digestion, and it tastes really good.
Speaking of, pouring the drink into a chilled shot glass is recommended. Limoncello can warm up quickly, so having everything on the icier side will prevent a less desirable drink.
It is often mixed into many delicious cocktails, though it is sweet and citrusy enough to drink without any external additions. The beverage is typically ideal after dinner or even during dessert and is widely used as a digestive aid or digestivo.
What Is a Serving Size of Limoncello?
Considering that the drink is almost always served in a well-chilled shot glass, it should be no surprise that it uses its container as a measurement. A serving size of limoncello is 1.5 ounces, and it will be one of the sweeter servings of liquor a person will ever imbibe.
Can You Drink Limoncello Straight?
Absolutely! The drink will not taste nearly as good (or help digestion nearly as well) when at room temperature, though it does not need any additions for it to be a worthwhile sip. The drink is effortlessly delicious; it starts with an intensely pleasing flavor, so folks without any mixers can get by with just the liqueur itself.
What Are the Best Mixers for Limoncello?
Several different additions can be added to limoncello to alter its flavor, particularly fruit juices. There are less sweet options, such as club soda or even lime juice, that can help tone down the sugary taste.
Contrarily, most citrus drinks, such as orange juice or pineapple juice, will pair well with limoncello.
What Other Liquors Go Well With Limoncello?
Limoncello has a very distinct and bold taste, which can complement certain liquors and make others utterly disgusting. Those that do pair well with it will make for unforgettable cocktails, such as rum, vodka, and even gin. Absinthe is also a good mixer for limoncello because of its neutral flavor profile. Just try to find a recipe prior or be very aware of the flavor of both brands before becoming a mad mixologist for your friends.
What Are the Best Limoncello Recipes?
There are a number of great recipes for limoncello, all of which are worthy of any post-dinner evening. The limoncello sunrise is a delightful cocktail that is refreshing and fruity; the limoncello & tonic is a more reserved drink with a citrusy base.
Limoncello Sunrise
- Throw a handful of ice into a glass of your choice.
- Pour 1 ounce of limoncello and 4 ounces of orange juice and gently stir.
- Top with a gentle drip of grenadine; do not stir.
- Garnish with a lime or orange slice.
Limoncello & Tonic
- Fill up a glass with ice.
- Pour 2 ounces of limoncello before adding 3 ounces of tonic water.
- Squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the drink (optional).
- Stir gently, then garnish with a lemon wedge.
How to Prevent a Limoncello Hangover?
While it may go without saying, limoncello’s sweet, soft flavor and its deceptively lower ABV might leave people thinking it is a safe drink to enjoy ad nauseam. That line of thinking will be regretted the following morning. Try to enjoy a filling meal before drinking limoncello, and make sure to switch to water a bit before heading to bed. A few electrolytes never hurt, either.
A Quick Summary of Limoncello
While limoncello will likely never replace whiskey, vodka, or rum as someone’s preferred adult beverage, its uniqueness really helps it stand out. It has a distinctly fruity taste and is very refreshing, particularly when chilled.
The Italian drink can be paired with many different mixers and liquors to produce a tremendous variety of flavors and is an excellent addition to several cocktail recipes. Be wary when drinking limoncello that it remains chilled, as the room temperature flavor of the liquor often feels like you are drinking an adult syrup.
