Limoncello Gin Cocktail

This Limoncello Gin Cocktail is the perfect tipple to serve at your Christmas or New Year's Eve party. Get the recipe below.

Celebrating, drink in hand

The holiday season is short but you can draw it out by taking a step back, calming things down and savouring the moment with a drink in your hand.

For a light and bubbly alternative to champagne I like to make this limoncello and gin cocktail.

A splash or two of soda water lets the flavours of the zesty limoncello and floral gin shine through. But, it also produces the effervescent bubbles that signify sparkle and indulgence.

Lemon and thyme is  a classic flavour combination taken from hundreds of recipes over the years so it makes total sense to use it as a garnish for the cocktail.

How to make a Limoncello and gin cocktail

It's easy to make this cocktail. Simply add the limoncello and gin to a short glass along with ice. Stir gently then top up with the soda water. Garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme.

Frequently asked questions

What is limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from lemon zest and is mainly produced in Southern Italy, along the Amalfi coast.

It's easy to make your own and you can find my recipe here. (The neat limoncello makes a great gift).

Can I use a different flavoured liqueur?

To use a different liqueur would transform this cocktail entirely. Stick to citrus flavours.

Which gin should I use?

You can use any gin you'd like but I prefer to steer away from sweet versions like old tom gin. Something a little floral, or alternatively peppery could work really well.

Can I use something other than soda water?

I wouldn't recommend using an alternative. The bubbles are important to this recipe and any alternative would impart too much flavour on to the drink.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Because this cocktail is fizzy it's important not to shake it in a cocktail shaker. Even if shaking it would add a little theatre to the evening.

Instead you should add the alcohol to your glass along with an ice cube or two and stir until the ice just starts to melt (this helps to mute some of the sharp alcohol flavour and make it more mellow.) The soda water is then added to top it up.

The recipe

Serving suggestions

You could serve this as an alternative to champagne at your Christmas or New Years Eve party! (Though it also tastes pretty damn good when you're just snuggled up on the sofa like I am right now!)

More festive cocktails

As always, Supper in the Suburbs encourages you to drink responsibly.