5 unexpected things you can do with limoncello
Here in the editorial office, including our colleagues at Amayzine, we can’t get enough of limoncello. As a Spritz, with tonic, with prosecco or in tiramisù: we adore the Italian yellow drink. Did you know there are lots of limoncello variations?
Never, never, jamais, mai, ever will I forget the evening when our Swedish friends (not exactly averse to an alcoholic tipple themselves) funnelled their homemade limoncello into our mouths. Lesson learned: no matter how well-intentioned, leave making limoncello to the professionals.
Visiting Pallini
So I was happy to accept an invitation from Pallini, a fifth-generation family business that has been making alcoholic drinks for 170 years and has focused on limoncello since 1990. They were sun-drenched, alcohol-filled days, because you understand that whoever lives limoncello also pours limoncello—whether it was 11:00 a.m. or midnight. But in a great many variations. I’m going to tell you about all the options, as well as the secret limoncello rule.
1. Pallini has different types of limoncello, so let’s go through them step by step. The regular limoncello has a robust alcohol content of 26 percent (which is actually on the lower end, because there are also plenty of limoncello brands that reach 35 percent… Helloooo hangover).
2. Pallini Cream—this limoncello is vegan, how lovely. The creamy part is made with coconut milk. It’s so light and smooth. Sorry Baileys, I’m having an affair this winter.
3. Pallini Limoncetto. This one does contain alcohol, but considerably less: around 16 percent. You can have another glass.
4. Pallini Zero. This one is completely alcohol-free. I’m sending it to my Swedish friends.
And now for the secret rule: keep the bottle in the fridge and the glasses in the freezer. I always thought the bottle had to go in the freezer, but that makes it a little too syrupy. Top tip!
Limoncello cocktails
Amalfi Mule
You’ll need:
1.5 parts vodka
1 part limoncello
1 part lime juice
1 mint leaf
Ice
Shake it, baby, and you’ve got your Amalfi cocktail. Could it be any easier?
LEMOUSIN
You’ll need:
30 ml Pallini Limoncello
30 ml Courvoisier VS cognac
20 ml fresh lemon juice
5 slices of ginger
1 slice of chilli pepper, seeds still in
sparkling mineral water
Muddle (which basically means ‘break up’) four slices of ginger in a cocktail shaker. Add the limoncello, cognac and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a long drink glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling mineral water. Garnish with a slice of chilli pepper and a slice of ginger.
And if you’re in the mood for limoncello minus the alcohol, go for Pallini alcohol-free. Cheers!
Read also:
- The best limoncello in the world comes from… Breda!
- Recipe: how to make an absurdly delicious limoncello meringue pie
- For limoncello fans: you can now buy Orangecello
