Limoncello spritz with a thyme sprig garnish

5 limoncello cocktails

Hannah Guinness

Published: August 7, 2023 at 10:51 AM

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This famous Italian lemon liqueur is a classic after-dinner digestif but also makes for a versatile cocktail ingredient – use to whip up zesty spritzes, negronis, aperitifs and more

Check out our limoncello cocktails, then explore 11 ways to use limoncello and our favourite Italian cocktails, citrus cocktails. Now try our tea cocktails and vodka cocktails.

5 limoncello cocktails to try

Limoncello and thyme collins

This recipe includes instructions for making your own limoncello but shop bought will work just as well. Lemon and thyme are a winning flavour pairing and work perfectly in this riff on a classic tom collins gin cocktail.

Limoncello and thyme collins

Limoncello spritz

Aperol isn't the only way you can make a spritz – lots of other Italian bitters and liqueurs work really well in this iconic summer drink. Here, we've used limoncello for a refreshing aperitif.

Limoncello spritz with a thyme sprig garnish

The Lively Australian

Limoncello and semi-dry white vermouth are key to this long, refreshing cocktail. Garnish with grapefruit and basil for extra zesty, herbal flavour.

Lively Australiano portrait

Sgroppino

This icy number uses limoncello and lemon ice cream for a cooling drink that also doubles as an easy dessert for a summer dinner party.

Sgroppino Cocktail Recipe

Limoncello negroni

Limoncello works surprisingly well in a negroni in place of vermouth, served over ice and garnished with a lemon twist.

A graphic design image of a limoncello negroni

Limoncello

Vodka, sugar and the best-quality lemons you can find – homemade limoncello really is that simple. Enjoy as an aperitif or digestif or use to make any of the cocktails above.

A bottle of homemade limoncello with two glasses on the side

Authors

Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

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