What is limoncello? How to drink this summer tipple

Take a sip of sunshine with a glass of bright and citrussy limoncello. Discover our favourite ways to drink this Italian liqueur and where to pick up the best bottle.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Take a trip to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and discover your new favourite drink. This summer, we’re celebrating all things limoncello, with everything from refreshing cocktails to decadent sweet treats. Take a look inside the Foodhall to pick up our brand-new bottle and discover our favourite ways to use limoncello.

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What is limoncello?

Before you start crafting your concoction, you may be wondering what alcohol is in limoncello and how it’s made. Limoncello is a cloudy, pale yellow Italian lemon liqueur. This delectable drink is made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol (homemade versions often use vodka), then sweetening with simple syrup. The bold flavour is sweet and smooth with a bright, zesty taste.

Where does limoncello come from?

Hailing from the scenic hills and coastal cities of Southern Italy, limoncello is mainly produced around the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. It’s traditionally made from the zest of Femminello St. Tersea lemons, also known as Sfusato or Sorrento lemons. This zingy tipple is a fan favourite all over the world and is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy.

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How to drink limoncello

On its own – A good-quality liqueur, like our brand new Limoncello, can be served on its own as a chilled digestif after a meal. Simply pull it out of the fridge and serve in a small glass, like a shot glass or tulip glass.
Mixed drink – If you’d prefer a long drink, mix a generous pour of limoncello with tonic water, soda water, or lemonade with a handful of ice and a lemon slice.
Spritz – Feeling bubbly? Create a summery spritz with a splash of prosecco and soda water, then garnish with a sprig of mint or thyme.

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The best limoncello

Pop into the Foodhall to discover our new Limoncello Liqueur, made with only the best Italian lemon peels. You’ll want to leave this stylish bottle out on display year-round. Or pick up our punchy The Marksologist Limoncello Gin Sour for a bar-quality cocktail at home, without the mixing. The perfect balance of sweet and sour, this ready-made cocktail combines London dry gin with limoncello and bitters. On the go? Grab our Limoncello Spritz tinnie to add to your al fresco feast.

Or why not eat your limoncello? Try our Limoncello Tiramisu – a summery twist on an Italian classic. Drenched in limoncello, fluffy sponge is layered with lashings of tangy lemon curd and mascarpone mousse, topped with delicate white chocolate curls. Look out for our cute individual Limoncello Tiramisu Pots, too.

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Our favourite ways to use limoncello

Wonderfully lemony, this Italian drink pairs beautifully with other summer flavours like juicy strawberries and tart raspberries. See our favourite ways to use this versatile liqueur in drinks and baked treats.

Frozen limoncello and strawberry Margarita

Time to crack out the blender – it’s frozen Margarita season! Blend limoncello with our Distilled Silver Tequila, made using blue agave and distilled in Mexico. A handful of frozen strawberries and a splash of our Blood Orange and Passionfruit Cordial add a tropical, fruity twist. Garnish with a couple of delicate Collection British Edible Viola Flowers for an extra-special finish.

Blend it up

Limoncello and raspberry drizzle cake

Dig into a slice of this moreish drizzle cake. Rich and creamy Greek yogurt in the batter creates a luscious, moist texture. After your golden-brown cake comes out of the oven, poke it to create small holes, and drizzle a zingy limoncello and raspberry icing over the top, soaking through and infusing every bite with fruity, boozy flavour.

Take a slice

Published 6.10.2025