Okay, so here at New York Wine Events, we sometimes occasionally drink things that aren’t wine. Obviously, wine is our number one choice but sometimes a moment calls for something with a bit more punch or just that little something extra. When those times come, we like to turn to our friend limoncello.
Never heard of it? Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that is made by steeping lemon zest in a strong spirit like grappa or vodka until the oils are released, at which time they are mixed with a simple syrup. It comes out as this tangy, sweet but tart little beverage that is fantastic for sipping on a warm night or mixing into delicious cocktails.
We’re all about well-crafted cocktails so here are three of our favorites for you:
Limoncello Gin Cocktail: Created by The Kitchn
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 1 oz Gin
- 4 oz club soda
- Lots of ice
- Lemon peel for garnish
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add the Limoncello and gin. Top with the club soda and stir. Garnish and Enjoy.
Raspberry Basil Limoncello Cocktail Created by Bobby Flay
- 1 pint fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
- 12 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, plus sprigs for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into sixths, plus wheels for garnish
- 1/4 cup simple syrup, chilled (more if you prefer the cocktail a little sweeter)
- 2 ounces Limoncello
- 4 ounces citron vodka
- Crushed ice
- Sparkling rose wine, chilled
- Combine the raspberries, basil, lemons and simple syrup in a small pitcher and muddle until the raspberries are mashed. Add the Limoncello and vodka. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Put crushed ice into rocks glasses and add some of the raspberry mixture. Fill to the top with sparkling wine. Garnish with lemon and raspberries and basil sprigs if desired.
Limoncello Vodka Collins: Created by the Barefoot Contessa
- 1½ cups good vodka, such as Grey Goose
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (6 lemons)
- 6 tablespoons sugar syrup
- ¼ cup Italian Limoncello liqueur
- 1½ cups cold club soda, such as Pelligrino
- Ice cubes
- Sliced lemon, for serving
- Combine the vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and Limoncello in a large pitcher. Just before serving, pour in the club soda and stir. Fill highball glasses with ice and pour the mixture over the ice. Garnish each drink with a slice of lemon and serve cold.
