8 Best Limoncello Cocktails to Try

Okay, real talk: limoncello is one of those liqueurs that sits in your cabinet looking all pretty and Italian, but you only ever pour it straight into a tiny glass after dinner like you’re someone’s nonna. And sure, that’s nice and traditional and all, but have you ever thought about what happens when you get creative with it?

Limoncello cocktails are where the magic happens. We’re talking bright, refreshing, perfectly balanced drinks that taste like summer in a glass—whether it’s July or January. These eight recipes range from ridiculously easy to “wow, I should open a bar,” and every single one will make you wonder why you’ve been hoarding that bottle for special occasions only.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard hangout, need a signature drink for brunch, or just want something that tastes amazing while you binge-watch your favorite show, there’s a limoncello cocktail here with your name on it. Let’s get into it.

1. Classic Limoncello Spritz

Why It’s Awesome: This is your entry-level limoncello cocktail—easy, bubbly, and dangerously drinkable. It’s basically an Aperol Spritz’s cooler, more citrusy cousin.

Ingredients

• 2 oz limoncello
• 3 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice
• Lemon wheel for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour the limoncello over the ice.
3. Add the Prosecco and give it a gentle stir.
4. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

Why You’ll Love It

This drink is so effortless it’s almost embarrassing, but it tastes like you put actual thought into it. The bubbles from the Prosecco make it feel celebratory, and the limoncello adds this perfect sweet-tart punch. I’ve served this at brunches and watched people go back for thirds. Just saying.

2. Limoncello Martini

Why It’s Awesome: Want to feel like you’re in a chic cocktail bar without leaving your couch? This sophisticated sipper delivers every single time.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz limoncello
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon twist for garnish
• Sugar for rimming (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If you want a sugar rim, rub a lemon wedge around the edge of your martini glass and dip it in sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add vodka, limoncello, and lemon juice.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
5. Strain into your prepared martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Why You’ll Love It

This martini hits that sweet spot between tart and sweet, and it’s strong enough to remind you it’s not juice. The sugar rim is totally optional, but IMO it takes this from “nice cocktail” to “I’m living my best life.” Pro tip: use good vodka here—it actually makes a difference.

3. Limoncello Mojito

Why It’s Awesome: Mojitos are already amazing, but add limoncello into the mix and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes like summer had a baby with the Amalfi Coast.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz limoncello
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• Club soda
• Ice
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add mint leaves and sugar to a glass.
2. Muddle them together until the mint releases its oils.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Pour in the rum, limoncello, and lime juice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint.

Why You’ll Love It

The limoncello adds this layer of sweetness that plays beautifully with the lime and mint. It’s refreshing without being overly sweet, and honestly, it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to sit outside even when it’s not quite warm enough. You know what I mean?

4. Limoncello Lemonade

Why It’s Awesome: This is what happens when your childhood favorite grows up and gets a little wild. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for lazy afternoons.

Ingredients

• 2 oz limoncello
• 4 oz fresh lemonade (homemade is best, but store-bought works)
• Ice
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh basil or rosemary (optional but amazing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour the limoncello over the ice.
3. Add the lemonade and stir.
4. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of basil or rosemary.

Why You’ll Love It

This drink is ridiculously easy—like, you could make it with your eyes closed. The limoncello boosts the lemon flavor and adds just enough sweetness to balance everything out. FYI, adding fresh herbs takes this from “good” to “wait, can I have the recipe?” territory.

5. Limoncello Margarita

Why It’s Awesome: Margaritas are great. Limoncello is great. Put them together and you get something that’s honestly better than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila (use the good stuff)
• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Ice
• Salt for rimming
• Lime wheel for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, limoncello, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
4. Shake well for about 20 seconds.
5. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Why You’ll Love It

The limoncello brings this bright, citrusy sweetness that makes traditional margaritas taste boring by comparison. I made these for a Taco Tuesday once and people literally asked if I was opening a tequila bar. The answer was no, but I appreciated the vote of confidence 🙂

6. Limoncello Gin Fizz

Why It’s Awesome: If you’re a gin person, this cocktail will speak to your soul. It’s botanical, citrusy, and has this gorgeous frothy top that makes you feel like a professional bartender.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz limoncello
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg white (trust me on this)
• Club soda
• Ice
• Lemon peel for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add gin, limoncello, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
2. Shake hard for about 30 seconds (this is called a dry shake).
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Why You’ll Love It

That egg white creates this silky, frothy texture that’s absolutely gorgeous. Some people get weird about raw egg whites in cocktails, but honestly, it’s safe and it makes the drink incredibly smooth. This one’s perfect when you want something a little more elevated than your standard mixed drink.

7. Limoncello Sangria

Why It’s Awesome: Sangria is already the perfect party drink, but limoncello takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Make a big batch and watch it disappear.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750ml) white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works great)
• ½ cup limoncello
• ¼ cup brandy
• 2 cups club soda
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• Ice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the wine, limoncello, and brandy in a large pitcher.
2. Add all the sliced fruit.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
4. When ready to serve, add the club soda and stir gently.
5. Serve over ice and make sure everyone gets some fruit in their glass.

Why You’ll Love It

This sangria is bright, fruity, and dangerous in the best way possible. The limoncello adds sweetness without making it cloying, and letting everything sit together means all those flavors get really friendly. I made this for a backyard barbecue last summer and had to make a second batch halfway through because people went wild for it.

8. Limoncello Prosecco Popsicles (Yes, Really)

Why It’s Awesome: Okay, this isn’t technically a cocktail you drink, but who says you can’t eat your booze? These are perfect for hot days when you want something refreshing and fun.

Ingredients

• 1 cup limoncello
• 1 cup Prosecco
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup simple syrup
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Popsicle molds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the limoncello, Prosecco, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a bowl.
2. If you’re using berries, drop a few into each popsicle mold.
3. Pour the mixture into the molds.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours.
5. Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicles.

Why You’ll Love It

These are basically summer in frozen form, and they’re such a conversation starter at parties. The alcohol keeps them from freezing completely solid, so they have this perfect slightly-slushy texture. Fair warning: they go down easy, so maybe don’t eat three in a row unless you’re ready to have a really good time.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—eight limoncello cocktails that prove this sunny Italian liqueur deserves way more attention than it gets. From the effortlessly elegant limoncello spritz to those ridiculously fun Prosecco popsicles, each recipe brings something different to the table while keeping that bright, citrusy vibe we all love.

The best part? Most of these come together in just a few minutes with ingredients you probably already have (or can easily grab on your next grocery run). So go ahead and crack open that bottle of limoncello that’s been gathering dust. Your taste buds—and your friends—will thank you.

Whether you’re channeling your inner Italian mixologist or just want something that tastes way fancier than the effort required, these cocktails have you covered. Cheers to that!