Here’s the thing. Every sip of this lemoncello cocktail transports you to the warm summer days (and nights) in Italy. I’ve been perfecting my love of this recipe for ages, and let me tell you, we’ve got it nailed. Really, it’s super simple to shake up in four easy steps using commonly found ingredients that come together for a citrusy, next-level drink!

A Lemoncello cocktail in a up glass with fress mint and lemon onto of a wooden table with an opened bottle of prosecco.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Lemoncello Cocktail

  • Lemon-forward flavor: Lemoncello’s sweet citrus notes are the star, balanced by fresh lemon juice and a touch of fizz.
  • So easy: Just a handful of ingredients—no fancy bar tools required.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a spritz, a martini, or even a frozen slushie on a hot day.
  • Vacation vibes: One sip, and you’re in Italy. What more reason do ya’ need?

Want to explore more fresh flavors? Check out my refreshing Gin Gimlet, lemon drop shots, or these bright, citrusy lemongrass cookies for more Italian-inspired goodness.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Lemoncello Cocktail

Here’s what you’ll need for your glass of sunny bliss:

  • 2 ounces Lemoncello (chilled for best flavor), I prefer Caravella Limoncello for its use of real lemon peels from the Amalfi Coast for the perfect sweetness.
  • 1 ounce vodka (or gin for a botanical twist)
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice (about half a large lemon) I use the lemons from my tree!
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
  • Sparkling water or Prosecco, to top
  • Fresh mint and Lemons, optional, for a pop of color.

Tip

For the brightest, most authentic taste, opt for a high-quality Lemoncello made in Italy, such as Carvella, known for its Amalfi or Sorrento brands. If you’re feeling extra DIY, you can even make your own. Coming Soon!

How to Make a Lemoncello Cocktail

1. Fill the Shaker

Lemoncello cocktail liquids on a wooden table, which include a shaker, vodka, and limoncello.

In a cocktail shaker, add the Lemoncello, vodka (or gin), fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice.

2. Shake It Up

Pouring the lemon liquor into a chilled shaker on a wooden table with vodka and ice cubes.

Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Pour and Top

a shaker porung the Lemoncello cocktail into an upglass ready for mint and lemon garnish.

Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco for that effervescent kick.

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
The Lemoncello cocktail being topped with a pout of bubbles in an up glass with the cork on the table.

4. Garnish and Serve

a freshly garnished Lemoncello cocktail with a lemon wedge.

Garnish with a lemon slide or wheel or twist, and a sprig of fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy.

Want to keep that summer feeling alive? Pair this cocktail with my homemade tomato sauce recipe for a fresh, Italian-inspired snack.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemoncello Cocktail

  • Chill everything: Cold ingredients make for a crisper, more refreshing cocktail.
  • Balance the sweetness: Lemoncello can be sweet. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or a splash of soda water.
  • Go big on garnish: A fresh lemon twist or mint sprig makes it restaurant-worthy.

Pin this article

Pin It Now

Recipe Variations

  • Frozen Lemoncello Slushie: Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a boozy lemon granita vibe. You can make these non-alcoholic, and the kids will love you for it!
  • Lemoncello Martini: Skip the bubbles and strain into a coupe glass for an elegant flare.
  • Herbal twist: Muddle fresh basil or rosemary with the lemon juice for an herbal spin.

What to Serve with Your Lemoncello Cocktail

  • A bowl of salty, roasted almonds or olives.
  • Crisp crackers with creamy cheese (like burrata or goat cheese).
  • My Chopped Italian Sandwich is perfect for a casual Italian-inspired meal you can enjoy al fresco.

FAQs About Lemoncello Cocktails

a Lemoncello cocktail with all the ingredients around it, including a bottle of prescoo, mint, lemon, and a shaker on top of a wooden table and a black backdrop.
What is Lemoncello made of?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from lemon zest, sugar, and neutral alcohol. It’s sweet, bright, and packs a citrusy punch.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

You can mix the base (Limoncello, vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup) ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just top with bubbles right before serving.

Is this the same as a Lemoncello spritz?

Pretty close! The difference is in the ratio—this version is more spirit-forward, while a spritz is lighter and more sparkling.

Refreshing Sips

Final Thoughts

This Lemoncello cocktail recipe is proof that summer can live in your glass all year long. Whether you’re toasting on the patio or dreaming of Italian coastlines, this drink is your ticket to a bright, lemony escape. Cheers! And if you’re craving more Italian-inspired recipes, don’t miss my Honeydew Milk Tea or the ultimate Piccata Milanese for a dinner that transports. Until next time, style big, and eat well.

a fresh lemoncello cocktail freshly pouree in an up glass with a mint garnish, on a wooden table with an open bottle of prosecco.
Save Pin Print
5 from 1 vote

Lemoncello Cocktail Recipe: A Bright and Zesty Sip of Summer

By: Anthony Rodriguez
This bright and citrusy limoncello cocktail is inspired by my first trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2007. It’s refreshingly simple to make, perfectly balanced, and guaranteed to transport you to sunny Italy with every sip.
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 2 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 4 minutes
Want to save this recipe?
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Equipment

  • 1 martini shaker Use two pint glasses together if you don't have one.

Ingredients 

  • 2 oz Limoncello, Chilled for best flavor
  • 1 oz Vodka (or gin for a botanical twist), Ketel One is my preference
  • 3/4 oz Lemon juice, Fresh, about 1/2 a lemon squeezed.
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup, Tbsp sugar if you dont have simple syrup
  • 1 splash Sparkling Water or Presecco, For a festive feel
  • 1 count Lemon for and optinal garnish , Wheels, peels, and twists are fun!
  • 1 sprig Fresh mint for an optional garnish , For a pop of color

Instructions 

  • Fill the Shaker –In a cocktail shaker, add the Lemoncello, vodka (or gin), fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice.
  • Shake – Vigorously shake for about 15 seconds until well chilled. You'll know it's chilled when ice starts to form on the exterior of the shaker
  • Strain – Pour the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco for that effervescent kick.
  • Serve – Garnish with a lemon slide or wheel or twist, and a sprig of fresh mint if you’re feeling.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality limoncello for the best flavor. Homemade or small-batch brands really elevate the drink.
  • Fresh lemon juice is a must. Bottled won’t deliver that bright, zesty kick.
  • Chill your glasses ahead of time to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing without watering it down.
  • Feel free to tweak the sweetness or strength to your liking by adding more simple syrup or a sprinkle of sugar – this recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.03gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this?Leave a comment below!

About Anthony Rodriguez

Hi! I’m Anthony the creator of 136home. I’m a DIY, home decor, design, and interior styling enthusiast nestled in the heart of San Francisco. @136 home I support a highly engaged community mixing old + new to design a home I love one detail at a time. Here, I curate affordable finds, share tips, and DIY’s while discussing everything home all day, every day. Welcome to my home.

More About Me

You May Also Like

5 from 1 vote

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Anthony Rodriguez says:

    5 stars
    This is rhe best summer sip, guys! Chill thise up glasses first and use fresh lemon juice.

    Reply