I’m pretty sure Italians have a goal of converting everyone into limoncello drinkers. Honestly, if you’d told me three weeks ago that I should make a cocktail with limoncello in it, I’d probably pretend to think about it and then say no. But then I took a little trip to Italy (!!!) where I was slyly coerced into having a shot of limoncello here and there, and I realized that limoncello done right is actually pretty amazing. The best one I had, along the coastline of Sorrento, was strong but sweet, and tasted like the most gorgeous essence of lemon zest you can imagine. The flavor was so intensely perfect that the very first sip seemed to instantly transport you to a dreamy, sunny Italian lemon orchard. In the world of limoncello it was soooorta revolutionary.
Now that I can actually swallow limoncello without wincing a little bit and even appreciate it’s unique lemoniness, I obviously had to make a cocktail with it – obviously. Clearly a red cocktail was also in order since the 4th of July is upon us, so raspberries got added into the mix for a fun pop of color and a little bit of a twist to the classic limoncello flavor. This one’s pretty quick and easy to make, and it’s super refreshing thanks to the summery combo of ingredients. You get the distinct fruitiness of the raspberries, the bold zing of the limoncello, and the spritz of the club soda all in one cool drink that’s perfect for pool-side barbecue-party, 4th of July summer sippin’.
PrintRaspberry Limoncello Cocktail
A refreshing summer cocktail that mixes lemon liqueur with fresh raspberries for a bright, fruity flavor. It’s bright red color makes it the perfect drink to serve at 4th of July barbecues.
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ounces fresh raspberry juice*
- 1 1/2 ounces good quality limoncello
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup**
- 2 ounces club soda
- ice
- raspberries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the raspberry juice, limoncello, vodka, and simple syrup and shake well.
- Fill a highball glass completely with ice and pour cocktail mixture into glass. Add club soda and stir. Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve immediately.
Notes
*To make fresh raspberry juice, muddle raspberries in a glass and transfer to a piece of cheesecloth to squeeze and strain juices from pulp.
**To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar has dissolved completely. Let cool to room temperature (or chill completely) before using for drinks. Store in an jar or other airtight container.
Ounce measurements in this recipe are by volume and measured with a jigger.
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Amy says
I’m still SO jealous of your trip to Italy! I’ve only been to Venice once (for a grand total of 4 hours), and I really, really want to go back. I’ll have to ask for recommendations on all of the best gelato places — you seemed to find the best flavors! ;) Such gorgeous color in your sweet cocktail too!
alexandra says
You definitely need to go back to Italy! It’s such an experience. :) I seriously LOVED Venice! And I’m going to do a post soon about eats and other stuff in Italy so look out for that!