What is Limoncello? All you need to know

The lemon’s fragrance has always surrounded the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Coast of Amalfi and the island of Capri.

The yellow fruit gave origin to a special liqueur, which was born in Capri and, at a later time, it was also made in other parts of Southern Italy.

The history of Limoncello goes through the centuries until it became known all over the world as a traditional italian liqueur.

Limoncello: History and Tradition

The history behind Limoncello has different theories. We are not able to tell where or when exactly the liqueur was born, as Sorrentini, Amalfitani and Capresi affirm to be the creators of the liqueur.

The most accredited theory says that Limoncello was born in the early 1900s, when Lady Maria Antonia Farace grew her own oranges and lemons to make a liqueur to offer to the guests visiting her house.

At a later time, her nephew opened a bar, selling the liqueur following his grandmother’s limoncello recipe.

In 1988, Massimo Canale started a small handmade production registering the trademark calling it “Limoncello di Capri” from here the tradition of Limoncello was born and it became popular all over the world.

Different stories tell, instead, that fishermen and peasants were drinking limoncello in the past to ward off the cold, or that during the Middle Ages monks and nuns were making the recipe behind the wall of the monasteries.

A Mix of Variety

Limoncello guarantees a variety of uses.

It can be used for making cocktails combined for example with vodka, sparkling wine or it can be used in desserts such as limoncello pound cake, gelato or cheesecake.

For whoever loves milk and prefers a less alcoholic drink there is a special variation of Limoncello called “Crema di Limoncello” which is made with milk instead of syrup.

Limoncello is also a great source of vitamin C.

What makes the difference between a limoncello to another is to search in the quality of lemons. The lemons have to be organic (non-treated), reason why it is impossible to produce a high quality limoncello outside the area.

Limoncello’s recipe is made from lemon zest and it includes three ingredients:

Water
Alcohol
Sugar

If served cold it is an excellent digestive but it can also be drunk at room temperature.

Sold in decorative bottles, limoncello stands out in the artisanal shops in Sorrento, Capri, Napoli and Amalfi.

Considered for more than a century a traditional liqueur, drinking limoncello it means immerse yourself in the southern Italy’s flavours.

A perfect drink to share with guests or a wonderful gift from sunny landscapes.

If you are eager to taste the traditional Limoncello and feel lost between the lemons of the Coast or Capri island, Amalfi Luxury Tour will take you to discover this special drink.

Consult us to book your “Limoncello trip” .