Two slices of limoncello tiramisu with a cup of coffee on the side

14 ways to use limoncello

Helen Salter

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Make up a batch of refreshing limoncello and turn it into zesty tarts, pies or cocktails with our easy recipes. Perfect for an Italian-inspired summer dinner party

Make the most of the iconic lemony Italian liqueur, limoncello, in these zesty recipes. Try our simple step-by-step recipe, or use a shop-bought bottle for a boozy twist to summer tarts, pies and cocktails.

For more zingy tipples, check out our best citrus cocktails, including blood orange margaritas, or take a look at the best digestifs to try for post-supper sipping. We also have more Italian recipes and desserts so you can curate the ultimate Italian dinner party menu.

How to make it yourself: Limoncello

Mix vodka, sugar and the best-quality lemons you can find to make this winningly simple homemade limoncello. Perfect as an aperitif or for post-supper sipping alongside an Italian-inspired feast. If you want to stock up on shop-bought limoncello, we like this Limoncello de Capri, Santa Marta and Pallini Limoncello.

Other ways to use limoncello

Limoncello drizzle cake

Put an Italian spin on a classic lemon drizzle. The addition of soured cream keeps the sponge moist, light and fluffy. Enjoy with lemon tea.

A lemon drizzle cake sliced into thick slices

Limoncello tiramisu

This is a boozy limoncello tiramisu recipe inspired by a limoncello spritz cocktail, which traditionally includes prosecco. Perfect for a dinner party dessert. You will need a 20cm square tin for this recipe.

Two slices of limoncello tiramisu with a cup of coffee on the side

Limoncello spritz

Make this limoncello spritz as a refreshing cocktail for a warm summer's evening.

Two tumblers of limoncello spritz with fresh lemon in them

Limoncello and thyme collins

Homemade limoncello is livened with gin, soda and thyme in this herby twist on a collins. Fix yourself a glass on a warm summer's day and you're good to go.

Check out more of our zingy summer cocktails here, including white wine sangria and banana daiquiri.

Limoncello baba

Limoncello offers a boozy kick with zingy lemon in this smart Italian dessert. This recipe serves up to eight, perfect for a dinner party. For more Italian puds check out our best Italian dessert recipes.

Limoncello tart

The combination of perfectly crisp, golden brown pastry and smooth, sharp-yet-sweet lemon curd makes the ultimate tart au citron. We've pepped it with boozy limoncello for an Italian twist.

Make this impressive pud for a light yet seriously moreish dinner party dessert, then check out more of the best easy dessert recipes.

Limoncello spritz

Our refreshing limoncello spritz is deceptively easy to make – all you'll need is limoncello, sparkling wine, sparkling water and a little fresh thyme.

Find plenty more of our citrussy cocktail recipes here.

Limoncello meringue pie

Put lemons to great use in this beautiful limoncello-flavoured pie. It's a great way to zest up an afternoon tea, or present to guests at an Italian-inspired dinner. Take a browse through our best lemon desserts for more zesty sweet treats.

Lemon polenta cake

Make like the Italians with this dense, rich polenta cake, spiked with a boozy limoncello syrup. Find more variations on a traditional polenta cake here.

Sgroppino

Limoncello, lemon ice cream and prosecco meet in this sophisticated yet super easy cocktail-cum-dessert. Make it for a refreshing end to a summer get-together.

Enjoy la dolce vita from your own home with more Italian recipes.

Limoncello granita

Golden caster sugar, lemons and limoncello liqueur – homemade granita really is that simple. Try this smart dessert for your next dinner party – you can prepare ahead to make entertaining a breeze.

Limoncello syllabub with crushed amaretti

Experiment with limoncello in this speedy syllabub topped with crushed amaretti biscuits. This recipe makes up to six, so it's great for a summer party.

Limoncello negroni

Just when you thought you saw it all… limoncello makes a surprisingly good addition to a negroni in place of vermouth, served over ice with a lemon twist.

The lively Australian cocktail

This refreshing aperitif comes bursting with citrus and floral notes, pairing zesty limoncello with a semi-dry white vermouth for a real kick. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and basil leaf and enjoy!

Authors

Helen Salter

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