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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails » Limonata

    Published: Jul 29, 2018 · Modified: Aug 14, 2021 by Maureen Celestine with 28 Comments

    Limonata

    Summer is almost behind us, and there is no better time to squeeze joy into your glass than with this Limonata cocktail! Tangy, fizzy, and oh-so-refreshing – it's a zesty sip of pure delight. So, fix yourself a glass, and let’s cheer to sunny vibes and lemony dreams!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    For more thirst-quenching drinks, you would definitely like this fan's favorite rum cider cocktail, Hello Fall! My strawberry daiquiri or our summer delight peach and mango daiquiri.

    lemon drink with sparkling water in a serving cup on a table.
    Jump to:
    • ❓What is Limonata
    • 🔥Reasons to Love this Cocktail
    • 📖Ingredient List
    • 💭Variations and Substitutions
    • Variations
    • 👩🏽‍🍳Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Lemonade
    • 📋Pro Tips for Success
    • 📝Recipe FAQS
    • Love Summer Drinks? Here are some Summer Related Drinks to Try.
    • 📖 Recipe

    ❓What is Limonata

    Limonata is an Italian term for a type of lemon-flavored beverage or lemonade. It is commonly made by mixing fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar to create a refreshing and tangy drink. 

    It can be enjoyed cold over ice and is often served as a thirst-quenching beverage during hot weather. It's famous for those seeking a citrusy and slightly sweet alternative to traditional soft drinks.

    Italian lemon soda served with a lemon wedge.

    🔥Reasons to Love this Cocktail

    • Lemonade Upgrade: Limonata's like lemonade's cooler, more exciting cousin. It's got that extra oomph you never knew you needed.
    • Easy-Breezy: It’s easy breezy lemon squeezy. All puns! Measure, pour, shake, and sip. 5 minutes is all you need to mix it up. 
    • Fizz and Fun: The added sparkling water adds a nice stream of Bubbles for a fizzy, tangy adventure that's pure fun in a glass.
    • Make it your own: Feeling fancy? Limonata plays nice with all sorts of drinks. Mocktails, cocktails – it's the life of the party. Add spoonfuls of my lemon with honey concentrate for a more citrus flavor.
    • Sour Punch, Sweet Hug: It's like a high-five from lemons – a little sour punch followed by a sweet, friendly hug of flavor.

    📖Ingredient List

    Here are a couple of ingredients needed to make this lemon drink.

    Ingredient list for limonata.
    • Vodka (or Gin): The spirit that forms the base for this Italian lemonade. It adds a smooth and neutral alcohol kick. If possible, use good-quality vodka.
    • Fresh Lemon Juice: from fresh lemons. Tangy and bright, this brings the signature zesty flavor that defines Limonata.
    • Limoncello: A lemon-flavored liqueur that intensifies the lemon essence and adds a delightful sweetness.
    • Simple Syrup: A sweetener that balances the acidity of the lemon juice and Limoncello, ensuring a harmonious taste.
    • Sparkling Water (or Club Soda): Adds fizz and a refreshing bubbling to the cocktail. I like this Spindrift brand.

    💭Variations and Substitutions

    Variations

    Try these creative twists, and your alcohol lemonade can become a signature refreshment with a unique flavor profile. 

    • Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Muddle them gently to release their juices and create a fruity twist.
    • Herb: Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary can elevate this drink. Muddle the herbs with the lemon juice for a burst of aromatic freshness.
    • Syrup: Add a lavender honey or elderflower syrup drizzle for a floral twist. Also, ginger syrup can add a zesty, spicy kick that complements the tartness of the limoncello. 
    • Cucumber: Thinly slice cucumbers and add them to the cocktail. They impart a subtle, cool freshness that's perfect for hot days.
    • Spicy: For those who like a kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeño can add a spicy twist to your lemonade. Be cautious with the spice level, as a little goes a long way.
    • Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit for a citrusy medley.

    👩🏽‍🍳Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Lemonade

    Pouring the ingredients for the lemon soda cocktail into a shaker with ice.

    Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

    Step 2: Pour in all the ingredients except the sparkling water. (image 1)

    Step 3: Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. (image 2)

    Step 4: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. (image 3)

    Straining the cocktail into  a serving glass with ice, and topping with sparkling water.

    Step 5: Top off the glass with sparkling water or club soda to your preferred level of fizziness. (image 4)

    Step 6: Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.

    Feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients based on your taste preferences, and don't hesitate to get creative by adding other complementary flavors or garnishes if desired.

    Please drink responsibly.

    📋Pro Tips for Success

    • Start with fresh, ripe lemons. Their juice provides the authentic, zesty flavor that makes lemon soda special.
    • To get the best out of the lemon, roll it on a hard surface to avoid bursting it, then cut it in half to extract the juice.
    • Use high-quality soda or sparkling mineral water to give your drink a crisp and bubbly base.
    • The level of sweetness is a matter of personal preference. You can use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved together) or a sweetener, like honey or agave syrup. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
    • Rim the glass with sugar or salt before pouring in the lemon soda for an extra flair; this can add a contrasting element to the drink.
    • Remember, the perfect Italian lemonade is about personal preference, so don't be afraid to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. 
    two servings of limonata on a flat table.

    📝Recipe FAQS

    What does Limonata taste like?

    Limonata has a bright, zesty, and refreshingly sweet-tart flavor with a dominant lemony punch, often served cold and crisp, making it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day.

    Does Italian lemon soda have alcohol?

    No, Italian lemon soda is typically non-alcoholic.

    What alcohol is traditionally used in limoncello?

    Traditionally, limoncello is made with neutral spirits, such as vodka or Everclear, which are steeped with lemon zest and sweetened with sugar syrup.

    Which vodka is best for cocktails?

    Generally, a good-quality, neutral vodka works well in most cocktails. Popular brands for cocktail mixing include Ketel One, Grey Goose, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Absolut, Belvedere, and Stolichnaya (Stoli)
    Remember that vodka is often chosen for its ability to let other cocktail ingredients shine, so it's essential to pick one that suits your taste preferences and your specific cocktail recipe.

    Love Summer Drinks? Here are some Summer Related Drinks to Try.

    • Frozen Strawberry Cocktail
      Easy Frozen Strawberry Cocktail
    • Peach and Mango Daiquiri
    • a photo of grapefruit gin cocktail final shot
      Grapefruit Gin Sour (No Eggs)
    • an image of bissap drink.
      Bissap (Roselle tea drink)

    I hope you’ll give this limonata Italian soda recipe a try. Share a sip with us on social media using the hashtag worldlytreat(#worldlytreat). We’d love to join the soirée. Also, don’t forget to pin it for later. Chat soon?

    PEACE & LOVE

    Maureen

    📖 Recipe

    alcohol lemonade on a flat surface.

    Limonata

    Maureen Celestine
    This refreshing cocktail combines limoncello, vodka, simple syrup, sparkling water, and lemon juice. It’s one of a kind!  
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course cocktails, Drinks
    Cuisine international, Italian
    Servings 1
    Calories 316 kcal

    Equipment

    • cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 oz. vodka
    • 1 oz. limoncello
    • 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 large lemon
    • 1 oz. simple syrup adjust to taste
    • Sparkling water or Club soda
    • Ice cubes
    • Lemon slices or twists for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
      Ice cubes
    • Pour in the vodka, limoncello, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
      2 oz. vodka, 1 oz. limoncello, 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 oz. simple syrup
    • Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
    • Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. (I prefer it without ice)
    • Top off the glass with sparkling water or club soda to your preferred level of fizziness.
    • Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.
      Sparkling water, Lemon slices or twists

    Notes

    • Roll the lemon on a hard, flat surface using the palm of your hands, careful not to burst it. Cut in half to squeeze out the lemon juice. 
    • Leave out the simple syrup if you don’t like a sweet cocktail. The limoncello packs some sweetness. 
    • I prefer serving my limonata without ice. If you enjoy this method, chill your serving glass in the refrigerator for 30 or 10 minutes in the freezer before serving so the drink stays chilled. 
    • A little sparkling water is all you need, or else you’ll dilute the drink easily. 
    Keyword italian lemon soda, lemon drinks, lemon soda, lemonade with alcohol, limoncello cocktail, vodka cocktail

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Namra says

      August 01, 2018 at 11:12 am

      Looking fresh! I love cocktails and learning new recipes, Looking forward to trying this one, and lucky me, I have the same lemon squeezer (it’s amazing!).

      Reply
    2. Chantele says

      August 01, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      Well this looks simple and delicious! I am a vodka cocktail type of girl and this is right up my street

      Reply
    3. GiGi Eats says

      August 01, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      I think it would be a SIN to not drink this before summer's end.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 02, 2018 at 7:30 am

        Ha! Ha! Gigi, an unforgivable sin,😉. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    4. kumamonjeng says

      August 01, 2018 at 9:39 pm

      This look so refreshing especially during summer season when the weather is super hot. I may try this out for the weekends for our family gathering. Better to get ready some mint leaves in advance during my weekends groceries shopping.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 02, 2018 at 7:25 am

        Kumamonjeng, I am pretty sure your guests will love it. Thanks!

        Reply
    5. Catherine Santiago Jose says

      August 02, 2018 at 12:28 am

      Wow, that drinks looks really delicious and looks so refreshing. It is a perfect summer drink for our pool party this weekend.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 02, 2018 at 7:22 am

        It will definitely be a good addition to your pool party, Catherine. I hope you like it. Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Karla says

      August 02, 2018 at 3:35 am

      The photos looks very refreshing! I will definitely try this drinks. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 02, 2018 at 7:20 am

        It's my pleasure, Karla. I hope you like it.

        Reply
    7. Rosey says

      August 02, 2018 at 4:54 am

      Ah you should totally share the recipes in the future. I am all for tasty eats on the weekends. We work hard during tbe week days and desrrve it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 02, 2018 at 7:18 am

        Right! Rosey. I'll add that to my list. Thanks!

        Reply
    8. Holly says

      August 02, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      Oh, this looks super yummy. I will definitely have to try this. I love trying new recipes!!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:08 am

        Yes to new recipes, Holly. I hope you like it. Thanks!

        Reply
    9. Tosha says

      August 02, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Sounds amazing I just love mint and lemon in a nice cold beverage. Sounds yummy like kin to the monitor which I love.

      Reply
    10. Tosha says

      August 02, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Sounds amazing I just love mint and lemon in a nice cold beverage. Sounds yummy like kin to the mojito which I love.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:07 am

        Yes! Tosha, mint and lemon is the perfect bev combo. Thanks!

        Reply
    11. Gladys Nava says

      August 03, 2018 at 3:34 am

      I am gonna saved this kind of recipe. I should to try this one of this week.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:05 am

        I hope you like it, Gladys. Thanks!

        Reply
    12. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo says

      August 03, 2018 at 3:47 am

      This sounds (and looks) perfect for chilling over the weekend! 🙂

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:03 am

        Czjai, it's a total relax and chill kinda drink.Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    13. Jojo Hua says

      August 03, 2018 at 8:03 am

      I actually really love lemon and lime flavoured alcoholic or mocktail drinks! I would love to try this out this summer. Especially putting the lime wedges into the ice cube trays! Genius.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:02 am

        Right! Jojo Hua, nothing beats having the best of both worlds (lime and lemon)😉. I hope you like it. Thanks!

        Reply
    14. Danielle says

      August 04, 2018 at 4:43 am

      This drink looks so amazing and refreshing for a hot day! Will have to try ASAP!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 10:00 am

        Thanks, Danielle. I hope you like it.

        Reply
    15. Elizabeth O says

      August 04, 2018 at 9:10 am

      This looks like such a refreshing drink. I would definitely take mine virgin but it looks like it could be the drink of the summer!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        August 05, 2018 at 9:59 am

        Virgin sounds refreshingly good too, Elizabeth. Thanks!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

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      […] I hope you’ll give this simple S’mores martini (Smoretini) a try. If you are looking for something with more of a peachy temptation, try this peach and mango daiquiri here or this thirst quencher here. […]

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