Get Ready for Limoncello Season with Limoncé
Late spring and summer afternoons and evenings are idyllic moments, with sun slipping down in the blue sky, and the light sticking around long enough that you can almost forget winter was ever a season. And if you’re spending this time with a group of pals, or with that special beau or belle, well, it’s even better. And if you’re drinking limoncello, the king of summer liqueurs, that’s best of all.
If you’re already a limoncello fan, then you know what I mean, and if you haven’t had limoncello, well, you have some nice days and nights ahead of you (it’s an Italian lemon-based liqueur if you’re unsure). It can be had (always chilled) after dinner by itself, or mixed into cocktails and imbibed on the porch accompanied by some salty snacks.
There are a number of limoncello brands available, but I’ve been (hey, even though summer’s isn’t officially here, I’m getting ready) drinking Limoncé limoncello lately. It’s a brand I first had in Italy, which isn’t so surprising since it’s the number one selling brand there, and it has a nice light body that works well in cocktails (but still has the underlying limoncello strength that’s so reassuring).
Since I’ve been consuming Limoncé, I decided to research it a bit (this is what us cocktail-and-liqueur-lovers do), and found out that it’s made in Trieste, Italy, from Mediterranean lemons that have lived their whole lives in that beautiful beach sunshine (Trieste is a port city), leaving a mingling of sweet and tang that you’ll adore. I suggest keeping a bottle in the freezer, both for the straight sipping and for mixing, at least though August. If you do decide to mix it up, the Princess is a nice easy refreshing combo. To make a Princess, fill a Collins glass three quarters full with ice cubes, add 1-1/2 or 2 ounces Limoncé lemoncello, 5 or 6 fresh raspberries, and then fill the glass to about 1 inch from the top with chilled club soda. Stir well, using a long spoon, and working to try and break the raspberries up a little (so you get just a touch of that flavorful raspberry juice socializing with the Limoncé). Just thinking about having one this weekend is making my day better.
Barbara Hayes on May 02, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Since we're still about six weeks away from "real" summer, there's still time to make limoncello at home - look out on the web for some good recipes. All it takes are lemon peels and vodka or some other neutral spirit. The homemade versions turn out great and make good gifts.
Robbi on May 02, 2008 at 02:45 PM
It snowed here on Monday but reading your post is just the optimistic kick I needed to get me thinking summer WILL get here eventually. Then I'll be able to switch from the occasional after dinner amaretto to the light and lovely limoncello. Thanks for the scoop on making a "Princess" - sounds delicious!