20 Best Limoncello Brands You Must Try Now!
Who has the best Limoncello, which Limoncello brands should you purchase, what is the difference between the crema and Liqueur are just a few of the questions you may have regarding Limoncello?
Limoncello is the Italian word referring to an intensely lemon-flavored liqueur most famously associated with and produced in Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, and the island of Capri, but also very popular throughout all of Italy.
Limoncello is made from lemon zest (strictly non-treated), water, alcohol, and sugar. It is a beverage usually consumed after meals but is a perfect drink for every occasion.
We may never know the origins of limoncello. What we know is that limoncello has been around for at least 100 years; it is said that, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was customary for the wealthiest Sorrento families to always offer a taste of limoncello to their most illustrious guests.
Whatever its origin, what is certain is that what makes limoncello special is the type of lemon used for the recipe, which, in order to be authentic, must use the lemons that grow on the Costiera Amalfitana.
This territory is comprised between the towns of Vico Equense and Massa Lubrense and on the island of Capri.
It is only there lemons grow with a thick skin that is rich with essential oils, fragrant, and with a strong aroma. The lemon skin is indeed the most important ingredient when making limoncello.
How is Limoncello Made?
Traditionally, limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. … Lemon zest, or peels without the pith is steeped in vodka until the oil is released.
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The resulting yellow liquid is then mixed with simple syrup. Varying the sugar-to-water ratio and the temperature affects the clarity, viscosity, and flavor.
What Does Limoncello Taste Like?
Limoncello is sweet with a vibrant citrus flavor, it literally tastes like you are drinking lemon candies of some sort. It can be consumed as a straight shot or sipped over ice.
Alcohol Percentage: Limoncello has 30% ABV (alcohol by volume), which means you can get drunk so be very careful with those shots!
What is Crema Limoncello?
Crema di limoncello is a cream-based variation on a classic lemon-infused limoncello. It is made by combining alcohol and lemon peel macerate with a creamy mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla.
The liqueur is typically pale yellow, with a smooth, velvety texture and distinctive lemon aroma and flavors.
Like limoncello, this creamy variation is also commonly made at home, but commercial varieties are also available. This liqueur should always be served ice-cold.
Best 20 Limoncello Brands
1. Caravella Limoncello
Brilliant neon yellow color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of lemon oil and hints of fresh herbs with a round, bright, moderately sweet medium body and a graceful, medium-length finish that exhibits touches of lemon custard finish. A solid Limoncello that checks all the boxes. $19.99
2. Bellini Limoncello
Bright electric yellow-green color. Aromas of lemon-lime sorbet and Alpine cough drop with a satiny, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a long, creamy candied lemon rind finish. Very tasty with a nice herbal accent. $27.99
3. Pallini Limoncello
Cloudy bright golden-green color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of fresh lemon peels, lime zest, lemon verbena, hints of lavender, and rosemary with a round, soft, moderately sweet medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with notes of lemon candies and lemon cream pie. A pure and vibrant Limoncello with a velvety mouthfeel. $27.99
4. Gioia Luisa Lemoncello
Giola Luisa is the original Limoncello from Sorrento and only uses fruit from their exclusive private local orchards. The rich smooth lingering flavor and bright fruit taste of Giola Luisa’s Limoncello promise to deliver an epicurean delight to any beverage recipe. $72.99
5. Knight Gabriello Limoncello
Distilled from the rinds of fresh lemons coming from organically grown lemon trees. Santoni Limoncello has a fragrant zest of lemon with a unique and unmistakable taste. Best served as an after-dinner treat cold from the freezer. $34.00
6. Limoncello di Capri
A lemon liqueur made by the cold infusion of the peel of lemons from Sorrento without the addition of color, stabilizers, and flavors. This is easily distinguished by its perfume, the balance between acidity and sugar, the flavor, and the presence of essential oils. $39.99
7. Luxardo Limoncello
Luxardo’s time-honored production methods of infusing alcohol with peels, pulp, and juice enhance the natural aroma and bright citrus taste of lemons harvested in southern Italy. Enjoy Luxardo Limoncello either straight up and chilled, or on the rocks with soda or tonic water for a perfect aperitivo occasion. $21.09
8. Il Tramonto Limoncello
Il Tramonto™ Limoncello owes its origins to the rosoli drinks made in the convents, where delicate liqueurs were made from fruits, spices, and aromatic plants. Their secret ingredient was a lemon liqueur, beginning a long and now worldwide love affair with limoncello. Connoisseurs agree that the best limoncello comes from the Amalfi Coast. $19.99
9. Paolucci Limoncello
Paolucci Limoncello is the fruit of tradition from an old Mediterranean recipe. The main ingredient is lemon peel which is soaked in a mixture of alcohol, sugar, and water for an extended time. This process gives the product a powerful fragrance and delicate aroma. $39.99
10. Sovrano
Nearly opaque bright yellow color. Aromas of fresh lemon peel, a hint of peppermint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass with a round, crisp, sweet medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length lemon-poppyseed scone and lemon marmalade finish. A naturally vibrant limoncello, a concentrated and pure expression that will work beautifully in cocktails and punches. $15.99
11. di Amore
Brilliant neon yellow color. Aromas of lemon-lime popsicle and fresh parsley with a crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a tingling, medium-long orange sherbet and lemon sorbet finish. A punchy Limoncello for mixing. $12.99
12. Pietro Gallo Estate
Hazy straw yellow color. Aromas of natural lemon oil, lemon yogurt, and citronella with a satiny, bright, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a medium-length finish. A natural lemon liqueur that will bring a poignant citrus note to cocktails. $50.00
13. Tosolini Limoncello
It’s packed with lemon juice and fresh Meditteranean citrus, with fresh orange notes lingering in the background. The mouthfeel is encompassing but short-lived, ensuring your glass is regularly topped up. $30.00
14. Limoncino Bottega
Limoncino Bottega is a “limoncello”, a traditional Italian liqueur, dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. It is produced from an infusion of “Femminello” lemon peel. This cultivar is widespread in Italy and characterized by a peel with a thin grain and high-quality essential oils. This variety of lemon is called “Femminello” because of the fertility of the plant, which flowers all year round. $39.99
15. Russo Limoncello
This distillery boasts extensive experience in the production of fine liquors. The family-operated company follows the rigorous artisan production process that they have preserved and faithfully handed down over the past three generations. Limoncello is the pride of the establishment: its original fragrance brings forth the unique aromatic quality of the Verdelli lemons. $28.99
16. Santa Marta
Santa Marta Limoncello is made of simple ingredients, but it requires complex blending to make an interesting, fresh, and balanced liqueur with only 25% ABV.
The only ingredients are lemon juice, lemon infusion (100% lemon peel), neutral spirits, sugar, and water. $29.99
17. Giuseppe Alberti – Limoncello
The finest quality lemons from the Sorrento coast are used in this superior quality artisanally distilled Limoncello. $28.95
18. Volare Limoncello
A classic Italian liqueur, produced by Volare. Made with fresh lemons from the south of Italy, this Limoncello is burst at the seams with bright, vibrant citrus notes. Great over ice, and pairs excellently with gin. $29.32
19. Villa Massa Limoncello & Crema
A refreshing Limoncello liqueur produced by Villa Massa in Sorrento on the southern coast of Italy. Sorrento is famous for top-quality citrus fruits, therefore it’s no wonder that excellent Limoncello is produced there too! $32.55
20. Gioia Luisa Lemoncello Creme
Gioia Luisa Lemoncello Creme offers the consumer an equally delightful aperitif. Produced with the same tender care and traditional process, Lemoncello Creme is a smooth, light, rich lemony tasting liqueur with the added touch of cream! $45.99
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