After a week in Positano, I couldn’t help but long for the delicious flavors of the Amalfi coast. In particular, I craved the sweet and tangy taste of Limoncello, a popular after-dinner drink that’s a specialty of the region.
Determined to recreate the magic of Positano at home, I searched for a recipe online and set about making my own Limoncello. Unfortunately, my attempt was a complete disaster. Despite following the recipe to the letter, my homemade concoction was undrinkable.
Learning from a Local Expert
Fortunately, I had a stroke of luck. I had an Italian teacher named Camilla who had grown up in Rome and had a sister living in Sicily. When I told her about my failed attempt at making Limoncello, she immediately offered to help me.
Camilla showed me how to properly peel a lemon, taking only the yellow zest and leaving the white pith. With enough practice, I learned to peel each lemon in one piece, without leaving any bits behind. She also emphasized the importance of using high-quality lemons, such as the softball-sized lemons grown in the Amalfi coast.
Experimenting with Different Ingredients
Over the years, I’ve continued to experiment with Camilla’s recipe, trying out different ingredients to find the perfect combination. I often use vodka instead of pure alcohol, as it’s easier to find in the Midwest. When possible, I use Italian spring water, which can be purchased at Eataly.
Making Memories with Friends
One of my favorite memories of making Limoncello is doing so with my daughter, Molly. We might have been a few days shy of 21, but that batch turned out to be one of our best. Unfortunately, she was too young to legally make it herself.
Where to Find the Best Limoncello in Positano
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own Limoncello, fear not! There are plenty of places in Positano to try this delicious drink.
One of the best places to buy Limoncello is from Sapori di Positano, a company that specializes in producing high-quality Limoncello using only the freshest ingredients.
Where to Find the Best Lemons
If you’re a true Limoncello aficionado, you’ll want to use the best lemons possible. The Amalfi coast is famous for its large, juicy lemons, and you can purchase them online from Dolce Mediterraneo.
In conclusion, Limoncello is a delicious and refreshing drink that’s a must-try when visiting Positano. While making your own Limoncello can be a fun and rewarding experience, there are plenty of places in Positano to buy it if you’re short on time.
And remember, the key to making great Limoncello is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to perfect your technique.
We need to make this again. Perfect drink for the summer months.
Agreed!
Oh, Positano was one of our most favorite places in Italy!! We ate at the Ristoranta La Cambusa overlooking the coast and beach and there we had Limincello—so amazing!! We only spent the day and wished we had much more time to explore the area. We were also there in July, which we do not recommend—too hot and quite crowded with tourists. We definitely want to go back during the more off peak season.
We highly recommend the Limoncello! We enjoyed it in every place we visited in Italy!😂 If we decide to make it ourselves, I may be reaching out for your recipe and tips!! Thanks for this post—it brings back such wonderful memories of our trip to Italy last year and makes us yearn to go back!❤️
Ah, so glad you enjoyed it! We love it, too.
Good point on not going in July. We think off season is the way to go!
Limoncello is the best part of Italy! You should definitely try making it — it was easy and so delicious
Your efforts to make your own Limoncello are commendable but I think I would rather leave it to the professionals for myself!
Good point!
Just tried the limoncello at Bello in Newport Beach which I thought was delightful. Guessing I will be in for a treat to try it in Italy this summer.🍋🍋
Ooh we love Bello! Yes, they say limoncello in Italy is hangover free 😉