The Best Limoncello Cocktails

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.

A Limoncello cocktail sits in front of whole lemons and a glass bottle of Limoncello.

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.

a bottle of limoncello surrounded by lemons.

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!

An overhead view of a Limoncello next to a whole lemon.

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?

1
A Limoncello cocktail sits in front of whole lemons and a glass bottle of Limoncello.
Homemade Limoncello
Bright and zesty, this Homemade Limoncello recipe uses fresh lemons, high-proof alcohol (like vodka) and simple syrup to create a classic Italian treat. It is perfect for sipping or mixing!
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2
An italian margarita on a white surface.
Italian Margarita
If you love margaritas, you’ll love this Italian-style Margarita! It’s a refreshing blend of tequila, limoncello and fresh basil. It's ideal for taco night and summer sipping, as it showcases the citrusy brilliance of limoncello.
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3
Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail
Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail
Sweet and tart, this Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail combines limoncello, fresh lemon juice and basil syrup with blueberries for a drink bursting with bold, fruity flavors.
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4
A glass of lemonade with a lemon peel garnish, beside a jigger and cocktail stirrer, on a white surface with a subtle marble pattern.
Limoncello Martini
This Limoncello Martini is bright, elegant and irresistibly refreshing. Vodka, limoncello and lemon juice come together to highlight limoncello’s sunny citrus notes.
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5
Two glasses of champagne with lemon slices on them.
Limoncello Spritz
Celebrate any occasion with a Limoncello Spritz! This bubbly mix of prosecco, Cocchi Americano and limoncello is sweet, sparkling and perfect for any occasion.
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6
A margarita glass filled with a yellow cocktail, garnished with a lemon slice and mint leaves, sits on a blue patterned napkin. A lemon and a bottle of limoncello are blurred in the background, hinting at the refreshing recipe used.
callmepmc.com
Limoncello Mojito Cocktail
Light and refreshing, this Limoncello Mojito Cocktail combines mint and limoncello for a modern twist on the classic mojito. The bold citrus flavor of lemon makes it a true standout over the classic lime mojito.
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7
Love lemon? Sip on an ice-cold glass of Limoncello Lemonade. Pair fresh, homemade lemonade with zesty Italian limoncello for an ultra sweet-tart sipper you can serve anywhere from summer cookouts to baby showers. (via feastandwest.com)
Limoncello Lemonade
You can’t go wrong with this Limoncello Lemonade. It’s a sweet-tart blend of fresh lemonade and limoncello to make an easy, two-ingredient drink that's a great choice for any gathering or celebration.
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8
Two glasses of Lemon Champagne Punch on a gold tray.
Lemon Champagne Punch
Serve up some Lemon Champagne Punch at your next gathering. Made with Meyer lemons, champagne and limoncello, this festive drink is bright, bubbly and perfect for any celebration.
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9
Limoncello Gin Cocktail
Kita Roberts, PassTheSushi.com
Limoncello Gin Cocktail
Smooth and vibrant, this Limoncello Gin Cocktail pairs gin with the sweet, zesty flavors of limoncello. It’s a unique way to enjoy this Italian classic.
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10
A lemon martini in a glass with a slice of lemon.
Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic drink. Take the zestiness up a notch by swapping the vodka for limoncello. It will be so much more lemony and delicious!
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decorative icon of a beer stein.

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