Limoncello Collins Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 16%
Calories 215 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 21g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine the perfect summer day, the sun is shining, and you’re in the mood for something sweet and citrusy to cool you down. The Limoncello Collins is like a sunny Italian afternoon in a glass, bursting with lemony goodness and fizzy fun—it’s a must-try for any citrus lover! We’ll explore its vibrant history, the dance of flavors that tickle your taste buds, and how to create this delightful drink at home. Ready to dive into the world of this zesty concoction? Let’s get started! ⬇️

History

The Limoncello Collins cocktail combines the traditional Tom Collins with the lemony kick of Italian limoncello liqueur. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic that pays homage to its origins while bringing a piece of Italy to your glass. This drink has become a beloved summer staple for those who enjoy a sweet and tart refreshment.

• The name “Collins” comes from the original cocktail made with gin, and “Limoncello” adds the Italian twist.
• Traditionally, the Tom Collins was served in the 19th century, and the Limoncello version is a modern variation.
• Limoncello, the star ingredient, hails from Southern Italy, particularly famous in the Amalfi Coast.

The taste of a Limoncello Collins?

A Limoncello Collins tastes like a fizzy lemonade with a grown-up kick. It’s sweet, tart, and refreshingly cool, with a bubbly personality that makes every sip a celebration.

I personally love drinking Limoncello Collins because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Limoncello Collins

• Limoncello itself is made from the zest of Sorrento lemons, steeped in alcohol until it releases its oils.
• Adding fresh basil or mint to the cocktail can give it an aromatic twist.
• The Limoncello Collins is often garnished with a lemon wheel or twist, adding a touch of elegance.

Ingredients 📃

• Limoncello: 1.5 oz (45ml)
• Gin: 1 oz (30ml)
• Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz (30ml)
• Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
• Club soda: to top
• Ice

Collins glass is the perfect vessel for a Limoncello Collins. Its tall and slender shape showcases the drink’s clarity and effervescence. Alternatively, a highball glass can also be used, providing a similar aesthetic and function.

Recipe. How to make Limoncello Collins 🍹

1. Pour 1.5 oz (45ml) of limoncello and 1 oz (30ml) of gin into a Collins glass filled with ice.
2. Add 1 oz (30ml) of fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz (15ml) of simple syrup.
3. Top the mixture with club soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and enjoy!

Limoncello Collins might be sweet, but keep in mind it does have sugar and calories. If you want a healthier version, try using a natural sweetener like stevia and a bit less limoncello. Plus, lemons are packed with vitamin C!

Food Pairings

A Limoncello Collins pairs well with various foods, enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some perfect matches for this zesty cocktail.

Grilled Seafood

The bright citrus notes of a Limoncello Collins complement the smoky flavors of grilled shrimp or calamari, creating a balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.

Caprese Salad

The cocktail’s tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil found in a classic Caprese salad.

Lemon Sorbet

For a refreshing dessert pairing, the Limoncello Collins alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet is a match made in heaven, echoing the lemon flavors in both.

I really enjoy the taste of Limoncello Collins—the cool fizz and zesty lemon make it the perfect drink for sipping in the garden.

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Bartender Advice

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• Adjust the amount of simple syrup to balance the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
• Chill the Collins glass before serving to keep your drink extra cool.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Limoncello Collins, we’ll explore how you can tweak this delightful drink and introduce some exciting variations to try next.

What you could change in Limoncello Collins

• Club soda: Can be replaced with tonic water for a quinine twist.
• Gin: Swap it out with vodka for a milder spirit flavor.
• Sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup or try honey for a different kind of sweet.

Limoncello Collins Variations

Raspberry Limoncello Collins

• Ingredients: Add fresh raspberries to the standard ingredients.
• Recipe: Muddle the raspberries before adding the other ingredients.

Herbal Limoncello Collins

• Ingredients: Include a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
• Recipe: Gently bruise the herbs and mix them in with the drink.

Sparkling Limoncello Collins

• Ingredients: Substitute club soda with prosecco.
• Recipe: Pour prosecco over the other mixed ingredients.

A Virgin Limoncello Collins is just as delightful without the alcohol. Mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, then add a splash of non-alcoholic limoncello flavor syrup.

Q&A

Can I make Limoncello at home?

Absolutely! Homemade limoncello requires patience as lemon zest infuses in alcohol, but the results are rewarding and delicious.

What’s the key to a perfectly balanced Limoncello Collins?

The trick is in the proportions—too much limoncello or syrup can overpower, so taste as you mix!

How long does limoncello last once opened?

Limoncello can last for up to a year in the freezer; its high alcohol content keeps it from freezing solid.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You could, but fresh lemon juice is the secret to the best flavor—bottled just doesn’t compare!

What’s a quick fix if my cocktail is too sweet?

Add a dash more lemon juice or a splash of club soda to cut through the sweetness.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to gin in this recipe?

Sure, try using a non-alcoholic gin alternative or simply skip the spirit for a lighter drink.