Skip to content

Limoncello

Limoncello is a lemon liqueur made from simple ingredients. Over the past 20 years, limoncello has become Italy's essential digestif. It is drunk very cold and is particularly enjoyed in summer. Today, limoncello is produced in industrial quantities, using as its base ingredient the AOP lemon from Sorrento (Bay of Naples). This lemon is rich in essential oil and has a thick skin as well as a pronounced taste. Sorrento lemons are harvested and rigorously selected to ensure the best quality liqueur. The harvest takes place from February to October and is done by hand.

Limoncello, its history

The 3 cities of the Bay of Naples, namely Amalfi, Capri and Sorrento, actually dispute the origin of limoncello. There are numerous versions regarding the origin and history of these lemons. The “Limoncello” trademark was registered by an entrepreneur from the island of Capri, Massimo Canale. He was also the first to commercialize the artisanal production of limoncello. The latter is obtained by macerating lemon peels in alcohol. It also contains water and sugar. At once sweet, aromatic and lemony, limoncello displays a beautiful bright yellow color. Limoncello is also mixed with other ingredients for various cocktails. Although it may seem surprising at first, limoncello is used in perfumery.

Limoncello, a southern flavor used in perfumery

In perfumery, limoncello, like lemon, belongs to the “Citrus” olfactory family. Citrus essences are generally extracted by cold pressing. Citrus notes classically accompany floral or fruity notes. They can also be found in oriental compositions, where they bring their fresh, light, sparkling side. Used only recently in perfumery, limoncello is already found in major perfumes such as Prada Candy, Eau de toilette Florale, by Prada. Here, limoncello is positioned as a top note, paired with peony, benzoin, honey and caramel for an ultra gourmand composition. Nevertheless, limoncello can also be found in woody, masculine fragrances, such as Oud Immortel by Byredo Parfums. Here, limoncello is placed as a top note, alongside cardamom and incense. Naturally, limoncello pairs perfectly with other citrus fragrances, as in Citron Regenerez-Liquid Sunshine by Ajne.

A particularly appreciated southern liqueur, limoncello is now making its way into perfumery. There, it offers its lemony, fresh and sparkling scent and blends beautifully into citrus fragrances. Although not yet widely used, it is nonetheless already part of major perfumes, such as those from the house of Prada.

Perfumes with the Limoncello note