Life hack: beat the winter blues by swapping your glass of red wine for a large shot of limoncello. While not technically scientifically proven, it's hard not to find yourself transported to a world of lemon-scented trees, golden sands and tanned skin when you drink limoncello.
The Mediterranean's finest tipple originally hails from southern Italy, which is why you'll find many brands namedropping Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast when it comes to sourcing their produce. But nowadays you'll also find limoncellos sourced from other nearby spots where those same lemons grow thick and fast.
This delicious drink is made from the zest of lemons, although some brands also utilise lemon juice, lemon peel and, in some cases, the entire thing. Traditionally served as an after-dinner digestivo, limoncello should be served in small, chilled glasses and enjoyed as a group.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing your limoncello is that this drink can vary in strength. Most limoncellos sit around the 30 per cent ABV mark, but you'll find some as low as 20 per cent and some almost reaching the dizzying heights of 40 per cent.
That's something you may not notice quite as quickly as you would when drinking a different spirit, thanks to limoncello's intense flavour and high sugar content.
And, despite that higher alcohol content, limoncello is usually relatively inexpensive compared to many other drinks. Is it any wonder that it's Italy's second most popular drink, beaten only by Campari?
Not sure where to start in the world of limoncellos? We've rounded up all of the best bottles around.
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Russo Limoncello Liqueur
Some limoncellos undergo so much processing that it’s almost impossible to taste their Italian origins by the time they’re served up. That’s not something that applies to Russo Limoncello Liqueur.
This authentic option comes from carefully selected organic lemons that come from the Amalfi Coast and uses simple ingredients that bring out great flavours, colours, and aromas without preservatives, perfumes or colouring. If you’re looking for a natural bottle with all of the good bits and none of the bad, look no further than Russo.
Buy now £19.95, Amazon
Luxardo Limoncello
If you’re someone who prefers a subtle limoncello, look away. But, if you subscribe to the mindset of “the bolder, the better”, this limoncello might just become your new favourite tipple of choice.
Hailing from Zadar in Croatia, Luxardo Limoncello is rich, thick, zesty and a tiny bit oily. It’s much bolder and fuller than many other bottles around, which means a little goes a long way. As well as fresh lemon juice, this limoncello incorporates lemon peels and pulp.
Buy now £15.99, Master of Malt
Bepi Tosolini Tosolini Limoncello Liqueur
Bepi Tosolini’s Tosolini Limoncello Liqueur is one of the most popular limoncellos around with its enveloping notes of ripe lemons. This full-bodied liquor comes with a sweet aroma and a distinctly Mediterranean finish, even if you’re sipping it on a cold night in the north of England.
Made using a combination of green (winter) and yellow (summer) Amalfi lemon peels, this limoncello is a versatile bottle that’s never forgotten its traditional family history or methods.
Buy now £25.50, Amazon
Dolce Cilento Limoncello
Dolce Cilento Limoncello hails from near the Amalfi Coast, meaning its lemons are extra fresh and endlessly delicious. This popular limoncello is made from organic lemon peel from the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park and is loved for its rich, fresh tastes of lemon sherbet and lemon curd. If you like your limoncello sweet, this is a top choice for sipping alone or mixing into cocktails.
Buy now £22.99, Master of Malt
St. Ives Limoncello
St. Ives is all about avoiding waste and making the most of each ingredient, which is why you’ll find the whole lemon in its limoncello rather than just the juice or the peel. A zesty bottle that’s loved for its intense flavours, this limoncello adds just the right amount of spark to a big meal although holds enough power to be served up before dinner has even finished cooking.
Buy now £21.97, Master of Malt
Bottega Limoncino Limoncello
Bottega Limoncino Limoncello is produced in Italy and, most of the time you buy this bottle, it comes sourced directly from its home country. A top choice if you’re looking for the freshest of fresh limoncello, this budget-friendly bottle comes with a luminous appeal that gives an indication of its zesty flavours inside.
Limoncino Bottega is produced from an infusion of “Femminello” Italian origin lemon peel, which is grown naturally and untreated before being picked and peeled by hand.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Pallini Limoncello Italian Lemon Liqueur
The gloriously tall bottle that Pallini Limoncello Italian Lemon Liqueur is served in definitely sets the tone for an evening to remember. A bottle you’ll probably want to display at the front of your bar cart (or balanced somewhere in the kitchen, if you’re prone to whipping it out often), this limoncello always goes down a treat.
While it’s very lemony with subtle bitter notes, this isn’t an overpowering limoncello. Instead, it adds just the right final touch to your dinner occasion.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Villa Massa Limoncello Liqueur
Limoncello Villa Massa is a traditional Italian liqueur that’s made with Sorrentine lemons. Better yet, it’s one that’s stood the test of time, made from a family recipe that dates back to 1890 and has only slightly been edited since. Sometimes called the best limoncello from Italy, Villa Massa keeps things traditional with a soft, subtle colouring and the flavour to match. It’s zesty, but in a way that’ll have you wanting to drink more, rather than scrunching up your face after a sip.
Buy now £18.95, The Whisky Exchange
Santa Marta Limoncello
Santa Marta Limoncello may be one of the most budget friendly limoncellos around but that doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. This bottle uses lemon juice as well as lemon peels and produces a slightly lower ABV bottle than usual. Which just means you can pour an extra glass without worrying quite as much about your alcohol intake. Silky sweet and perfect for pairing with dessert, this is a bottle that you’ll almost definitely buy more than once.
Buy now £13.00, Waitrose
Molinari Limoncello di Capri
Limoncello di Capri is made from 100 per cent Sorrento, ‘I.G.P’ lemons: a type specific to the region which gives the drink its unique flavour. And that’s something the brand has kept in mind throughout its history, as the process has remained unchanged over the years. With a zingy flavour and a stylish bottle to match, this is a limoncello you’ll want to go all out with: pairing up with a full course of Mediterranean delights and the fancy glassware to match.
Buy now £20.99, Drink Supermarket
Verdict
Russo has been producing delicious liqueurs for generations and the brand's Limoncello is one of the finest around. Expect crisp, fresh flavours and a wonderful lemony aroma.
