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Home » Drink Recipes » Cocktails

Limoncello Tonic

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This limoncello tonic is an easy 2 ingredient cocktail that is the perfect, refreshing cocktail to make for summertime! It’s easy to make just a couple drinks at once, or prepare a large pitcher for guests.

Overhead view of a limoncello tonic garnished with a lemon peel twist.

Limoncello is delicious on its own, but it can also be used in a number of different cocktail recipes, such as this limoncello martini.

For other summer cocktail recipes, try this lemon basil martini, this mango tango drink, this peach gin cocktail or this raspberry gin fizz.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • What Is Limoncello?
  • Ingredients
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Variations
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This limoncello tonic is made with only 2 ingredients, making it an extra simple cocktail to make.
  • This is a refreshing drink that is the perfect summer cocktail.
  • It is easy to serve in a pitcher for a large group of people.

What Is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur from the south of Italy. It is made from lemon peels of Amalfi lemons.

It is typically served chilled before or after dinner, and meant to be sipped. 

However, you can also use limoncello in a number of cocktail recipes.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the limoncello cocktail.
  • Limoncello: Use a good quality limoncello. The best quality limoncellos are made with Amalfi lemons. However, not all liquor stores will offer a variety of limoncellos to choose from, so use what you can find.
  • Tonic Water: Tonic water adds bubbly fizz as well as a slightly bitter, citrusy flavor. If you don’t like tonic water, you can use sparkling water or club soda instead.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the limoncello to a glass filled with ice.

A process photo illustrating step 1.

Step 2: Top off with tonic water. Gently stir.

A process photo illustrating step 2.

Variations

  • Limoncello Gin And Tonic: Add in an ounce of your favorite type of gin.
  • Limoncello Herb Tonic: This cocktail would pair well with a slight herby flavor. Try adding in ½ ounce of this rosemary simple syrup, this basil simple syrup, or this thyme simple syrup.
  • Limoncello Pineapple & Mango Tonic: For a bit of a sweeter drink, add in a splash of pineapple and mango nectar.

Expert Tips

  • Add garnishes. This is a simple cocktail that can easily be elevated by adding garnish, such as a sprig of rosemary, a few basil leaves or a slice of lemon.
  • Chill the glasses & ingredients. This cocktail is served over ice, but chilling both the glasses, as well as the limoncello and tonic water beforehand will prevent the drink from becoming as watered down once served.
  • Adjust the proportions. Everyone has a personal preference for how sweet they like their cocktails. If you enjoy drinking limoncello on its own, you may want to reduce the amount of tonic water by 1 to 2 ounces. If you prefer a bubblier drink, you can add in an extra ounce of tonic water.
  • Serve in a pitcher for a group. If you are making this for a group, multiply the proportions by 6 (you will need 2 x 355ml cans of tonic water). Combine the ingredients in a pitcher, without adding ice. Serve over ice in individual cocktail glasses.
  • Don’t prepare in advance. If this cocktail is made too far in advance, the tonic water will become flat. At most, prepare this drink 1 hour before serving.

Recipe FAQs

What does limoncello taste like?

Limoncello has a distinctly sweet and intense lemony-citrus flavor.

How do you store limoncello?

Once opened, limoncello should be stored in a cool, dark place. Place the limoncello in the fridge for a few hours before serving to chill the liqueur.

Can you use homemade limoncello?

Yes, you can use homemade limoncello in this recipe.

How many cocktails does one can of tonic water make?

One standard 355ml can of tonic water will be enough to make 3 cocktails.

A limoncello tonic garnished with lemon on a grey metal tray.
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📖 Recipe

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Overhead view of a limoncello tonic garnished with a lemon peel twist.

Limoncello Tonic


  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This limoncello tonic is an easy 2 ingredient cocktail that is the perfect, refreshing cocktail to make for summertime! It’s easy to make just a couple drinks at once, or prepare a large pitcher for guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz limoncello
  • 4 oz tonic water*

Instructions

  1. Add the limoncello to a cocktail glass filled with ice.
  2. Top with tonic water gently stir to combine the ingredients. Add any optional garnishes and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For flavored variations on this limoncello tonic, try adding in ½ oz of a herb-infused simple syrup, such as this rosemary simple syrup, this basil simple syrup or this thyme simple syrup.
  • One standard 355ml can of tonic water is enough to make 3 cocktails. Mini cans will make be enough for 2 cocktails.
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 16mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0.1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: limoncello, limoncello recipe

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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