Limoncello etymology

Etymology. Borrowed from Italian limoncello, from limone (“lemon”).

1. Why is it called limoncello?
2. Where does limoncello originate?
3. Is it limoncello or Lemoncello?
4. What is the difference between limoncello and Limoncino?
5. Why do Italians drink limoncello after a meal?
6. What limoncello symbolizes?
7. Do Greeks drink Limoncello?
8. Is limoncello a shot or sip?
9. Who first made limoncello?
10. Do Italians drink limoncello?
11. Is limoncello an aperitif or digestif?
12. Is limoncello the same as grappa?
13. Is limoncello a shot or sip?
14. How is limoncello meant to be drunk?
15. Do people drink limoncello straight?
16. Can limoncello get you drunk?
17. Is limoncello an aperitif or digestif?
18. Is limoncello an after dinner drink?
19. What pairs with limoncello?

Why is it called limoncello?

The term limoncello derives from a term of endearment for the word lemon. For some, it referred to a smaller type of lemons, such as lime. In 1691, they used the word limoncello to mean the “cedar water”. Some of them considered it a kind of lemonade, used for therapeutic purposes.

Where does limoncello originate?

It's mainly produced in Southern Italy, particularly in Sorrento, Capri, and along the Amalfi Coast. Traditionally, limoncello is made with Femminello St. Teresa lemons, a vibrant lemon variety native to the Sorrento Peninsula of Italy.

Is it limoncello or Lemoncello?

Limoncello (sometimes called "lemoncello") liqueur is made by soaking lemon zests in neutral grain alcohol for a month or more. The result is a thick, sweet dessert cordial with an intense lemon flavor. It is traditionally an Italian liqueur but is also produced in other countries, including the United States, today.

What is the difference between limoncello and Limoncino?

Well, yes and no — while both drinks are made from essentially the same ingredients, they have different names. And like most things Italian, it's a regional thing. In the North, around the Portofino/Cinque Terre region (close to Lucca), it's Limoncino. In the South, around Naples/Sorrento, it's Limoncello.

Why do Italians drink limoncello after a meal?

Like the name suggests, they are meant to aid digestion after a substantial meal (digestivo in Italian means 'digestive'). They come in several types, some sweet some bitter.

What limoncello symbolizes?

Limoncello is a liqueur symbolizing the Amalfi coast in the Gulf of Naples, which has become famous worldwide. Fresh and fragrant, it is made by macerating lemon peels in alcohol. In addition to being served after meals as a “digestive,” it is often used in the preparation of desserts and creams.

Do Greeks drink Limoncello?

It is usually served as an apéritif or after-dinner drink, as it is considered a digestif drink. In Greece, we make the same liqueur, which is called Liker Lemoniou (lemon liqueur) and is usually served as a greeting drink to guests, accompanied by a mini chocolate.

Is limoncello a shot or sip?

Although limoncello is usually served in a shot glass or what some refer to as a “shooter”, the sweet drink is to be sipped, not taken as a shot.

Who first made limoncello?

However, the most plausible story states that Limoncello was created at the beginning of the 20th century by Maria Antonia Farace. The woman was the owner of a small hotel in Capri and had a garden full of lemons and oranges that she used to make Limoncello to offer her guests.

Do Italians drink limoncello?

It's the second most popular liqueur in Italy after Campari. While it's most strongly associated with the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri, it's made all over Italy by large and small producers. Limoncello is commonly served straight and chilled after a meal, called a digestif or digestivo.

Is limoncello an aperitif or digestif?

Limoncello on its own is categorized as a digestif liqueur, meaning it's meant to be sipped on its own after a meal to aid in digestion. This is how limoncello is commonly used in Italy—after a meal, people stay at the table, either after dessert or during dessert, sharing limoncello and toasting to good health.

Is limoncello the same as grappa?

Traditionally, limoncello is made with cask-strength grappa distilled from grape skins. However, in the states grappa is only sold in 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).

Is limoncello a shot or sip?

Although limoncello is usually served in a shot glass or what some refer to as a “shooter”, the sweet drink is to be sipped, not taken as a shot.

How is limoncello meant to be drunk?

Limoncello is commonly served 'straight', without ice in either a shot glass or tulip tasting glass. Limoncello is poured directly from the freezer, to be consumed freezing cold. This is how you can truly taste the full flavour of the limoncello.

Do people drink limoncello straight?

While it's most strongly associated with the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri, it's made all over Italy by large and small producers. Limoncello is commonly served straight and chilled after a meal, called a digestif or digestivo.

Can limoncello get you drunk?

Limoncello has an alcohol content of 25-30% ABV, which is more than strong enough to get you drunk.

Is limoncello an aperitif or digestif?

Limoncello on its own is categorized as a digestif liqueur, meaning it's meant to be sipped on its own after a meal to aid in digestion. This is how limoncello is commonly used in Italy—after a meal, people stay at the table, either after dessert or during dessert, sharing limoncello and toasting to good health.

Is limoncello an after dinner drink?

Traditionally, limoncello is a type of drink that belongs to a group of after-dinner drinks. Besides its tangy and refreshing flavor, it's also a great aid for digestion. Knowing how to drink limoncello will help you achieve the authentic limoncello experience. Drink it straight from the freezer in shot glasses.

What pairs with limoncello?

Limoncello and its ingredient pairings

Its dominant orange, lemon and citrus aromas can be paired with grapefruit, mango, black currant, blueberries, ginger, cinnamon, cheddar and triple sec.