Sipping on limoncello is always delicious, but limoncello cocktails are even better. These recipes turn this bright and zesty Italian lemon liqueur into sweet-and-sour creations that are delightful to sip and share.

About these Limoncello cocktails
Limoncello cocktails are a true taste of summer, no matter the time of year. This vibrant Italian liqueur brings bold, sunny citrus flavor to any drink, making it a must-have in any home bar.
I still remember the first time I tried limoncello on a trip to Italy — it was served ice-cold in a tiny glass, and I instantly fell in love with its sweet, zesty kick! Since then, I’ve discovered how versatile it is, especially in cocktails. I also love making homemade limoncello for myself and to share with friends.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, looking for a unique brunch drink or just want to jazz up happy hour, these nine limoncello cocktails are packed with inspiration. From spritzes to martinis, these recipes will show you just how fun and flavorful limoncello can be.

What is limoncello?
Limoncello is a sweet and sour lemon liqueur from Italy that is typically enjoyed after a meal as a digestif, meant to help the stomach digest after a meal. After Campari, limoncello is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy.
This lemony liqueur hails from Southern Italy, especially Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. It’s made by infusing lemon peels with a grain spirit like vodka, with a sweetener added before bottling.
Traditional limoncello is made with Femminello St. Teresa lemons, a varietal of lemons that’s native to the Sorrento Peninsula of Italy. They are also known as Amalfi, Sorrento or Sfusato lemons.
Limoncello substitutes
No limoncello? Try this recipe with lemon-flavored vodka. You can also use a lemon simple syrup instead of whatever sweetener the cocktail calls for, plus a plain spirit like vodka in place of limoncello.
You can even shake things up and make limoncello cocktails with one of its sisters, arancello/orangecello (orange), limecello (lime) and grapefruitcello (grapefruit). Agrumello is made with a mix of different types of citrus peels.
Limoncello has many more non-citrus cousins, such as frambolino (raspberry), fragoncello (strawberry), meloncello (cantaloupe) and pistachiocello (pistachios). These will be different colors since they are infused with fresh ingredients, so your cocktail might not look the same but it would be delicious!

How to serve limoncello
Limoncello can be served on its own (neat) but it is best when chilled. I keep mine in the freezer. Over ice is also acceptable. I also like to add a lemon garnish, like a piece of lemon zest, a twirly lemon twist or a stunning dehydrated lemon slice.
You can also grab your cocktail shaker and mix up some of these limoncello cockails! Some of them would be fun with a lemon sugar rim, too! You can also garnish them with fruit like fresh raspberries or fresh herbs like a sprig of mint leaves.
The Best Limoncello Cocktails
Below, I’ve put together a list of my favorite limoncello cocktail recipes! Which one is your favorite?










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