Limoncello is a famous Italian liqueur, made using lemon rind, sugar, and vodka. It’s known as a simple and inexpensive drink to make, and is quite sweet in taste as it requires no lemon juice. The drink is traditionally served chilled and can often be found on both drink and desert menus.

Although it may now have international recognition, Limoncello will always be firmly rooted in Italian culture, particularly that of the Sorrento area, from where it originated. Traditional Limoncello could have been made as far back as 1900, and is still made in Sorrento today. There are many legends surrounding the production of Limoncello not only in Sorrento, but in Capri and Amalfi too. One legend involves Massimo Canale’s family who were said to be involved in early Limoncello production. Massimo later registered the first Limoncello trademark in 1988.

There are many Limoncello recipes available online for people to try at home. These recipes only have a few simple steps to follow, and then the drink is left to mature for up to a month. The resulting flavour of this liqueur can vary quite a bit, depending on the strength of alcohol used, the types of lemons, maturing time, and even the variety of sugar. In Italy, the flavour is dictated by the different regions, and the traditional recipes they follow. There are also some bi-products available in Italy, such as Limoncello sweets and ice cream.

It’s readily available in supermarkets and restaurants throughout the world, and can sometimes find its way into cooking or cocktail recipes. One such cocktail is the  Amalfitini, a mix of Limoncello, Vodka, White Cranberry Juice, Peach Schnapps, and Cointreau, served to customers at the Amalfi Hotel in Chicago. The drink has also become a staple for numerous American celebrities. But what about you? If you’re a Limoncello fan, why not raise a toast next time you have a taste. A toast to Italy, and to Sorrento, the home of Limoncello! Salute! Cin Cin! Cheers everyone!