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This Limoncello tonic recipe was first published on May 22, 2023.

There is something about summer coming and cocktails, and I want to crown this Limoncello tonic the drink we will all be sipping on as the sun starts shining. Why, you might ask? Well, how can you not do so when this is a 2 ingredients recipe you’ll be able to whip up in literally seconds? It’s fresh, easy and the perfect simple citrus drink to serve right, left and centre at any party.

I don’t know about you, but once the good weather starts creeping in and the temperatures start soaring, I cannot stop drinking all those brilliant cocktails and mocktails Cristina has been making. From the latest lavender lemonade cocktail, which has honestly been one of my absolute favourites ever, to the other drinks we have been making over the years:

I am sure you gathered, we love a good cocktail. Or even a great mocktail – we’re not drinkers, if we have to admit it, but somehow since starting this blog again a good drink every now and then seems to be highly enjoyable! So make sure you try this Limoncello tonic immediately because it is just what you need while we wait for the sun to start shining – and maybe it even helps bring it over even quicker!

glass of limoncello tonic on a wooden coaster, a jug of lemon juice with lemon slices and rosemary on the side, another glass of limoncello on. a marble background

Table of Contents

2 Ingredients Limoncello Tonic recipe

When you mention a drink like this Limoncello and tonic, you might be expecting some sort of fancy, never-ending list of ingredients. Alas, this is not the case, and excluding the ice and maybe the garnish, all you need is two ingredients, and you bet you’ll be running to the supermarket to grab them immediately.

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello it’s an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in the south of Italy, especially in the region around the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi coast. It is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy and is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo. It is also a popular homemade liqueur, with various recipes available online and in print.

Limoncello is made from the zest of lemons and usually has a slightly cloudy appearance, which originates from the presence of small essential oil droplets suspended in the drink (Wikipedia). The origins of this drink in itself are unclear, some claim Sorrento and some others Sicily as the first maker of Limoncello. But one thing is clear, it is as delicious as it gets!

Can I make my own Limoncello?

You can indeed – and how beautiful would it be to make this Limoncello tonic using your own homemade Limoncello? We have made our own in our second blog all about Italy. This is the Sicilian version and we have loved it so much we have used it on other limoncello recipes like this delicious cream version, panna cotta and even in pandoro!

I am referring to this recipe from thekitchn.com which uses 10 organic lemons, vodka and sugar. I know an auntie of ours makes it and uses pure alcohol, but I guess it really depends on what you can find more easily around you. While the recipe itself it’s not difficult to make, you need to be patient as the various steeping steps and resting time might take a toll on your will to try this drink. And if you are about to make this Limoncello tonic, you definitely won’t be willing to wait!

Where do they make Limoncello in Italy?

So while you won’t really need to make your own Limoncello for this Limoncello tonic recipe, it does help to know that the location in which is made it’s not a prerogative to the quality of the liqueur itself. Some brilliant ones are of course from Sorrento and Sicily, but some brilliant distillers are also doing a beautiful job in the north of Italy like in Asiago, where grappa distilleries are very common.

hand holding a glass of limoncello tonic on a wooden coaster, a jug of lemon juice with lemon slices and rosemary on the side, another glass of limoncello on. a marble background - from frony

two glass of limoncello tonic on a wooden coaster, a jug of lemon juice with lemon slices and rosemary on the side,a marble background

What ingredients do I need for this Limoncello tonic?

As I keep saying, aside from the ice and garnish, this beautiful Limoncello cocktail doesn’t require more than two ingredients. Of all the cocktail recipes we’ve made so far, you know a lot of them require a few more and it’s always annoying having to run to the shops to grab whatever you might be missing. But not in this case!

You can choose your favourite brand of Limoncello, just make sure the lemon flavor comes through properly when you taste it. And you can also pick your favourite brand of tonic water. We went for a very generic one as we’re generally not big fans of tonic water, but I want to try again using sparkling water to see if it tones down the bitterness some tonic waters might bring. And a lot of brands nowadays give you so many different types of tonic water, you will be spoilt for choice with all the added flavours. Bring it on, happy hour has never been the same!

What are the differences between sparkling water and tonic water?

Let me start this next class already and come through with the science behind the tonic cocktail. As I mentioned, you could use sparkling water if you didn’t have any tonic water or did not fancy it much. And of course, there is also the option of soda, if anything. But – there is always a but! – all these three options have in common is only one: carbonation. So what difference does it make if I use one instead of the other? Let’s find out.

Sparkling water has got the minerals which give it its distinctive taste, while for soda water it will be the salt. And tonic water? It’s quinine. So here goes your helpful choice when it comes to picking your mixter at the store next time you’re cocktail making at home!

How do I make this Limoncello tonic?

This Limoncello tonic it’s quick and easy to make. All you need to do is get your glass filled with ice cubes, pour the Limoncello and the tonic water, give it a stir and dress it for success with a lemon slice or some lemon zest and a sprig of rosemary. Bish, bash, bosh – your Limoncello tonic is ready, a refreshing one for the upcoming summer.

Limoncello Tonic Recipe

Simona

An easy, two-ingredient cocktail made using Limoncello and tonic water, refreshing and delicious!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drink

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 drink

Ingredients

60 ml Limoncello
120 ml tonic water
Ice
Rosemary and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Fill a tumbler glass with ice.
Add the Limoncello and the tonic water, then mix.
Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary and serve.

Keyword limoncello tonic, limoncello tonic cocktail, limoncello tonic drink

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And with the end of this Limoncello tonic recipe, we’re also ready to move onto our next post! If you get to try this brilliant Limoncello tonic, why not letting us know in the comments below?