Make These Limoncello and Whisky Cocktails

The Italian liqueur limoncello is made from lemon zest, with flavors to match. “Limoncello has a bright, zesty, and sweet profile,” says Kate Williams, bar director at Nostrana in Portland, Oregon. “More like a syrup than lemon juice, it can add another layer of citrusy depth to a cocktail while maintaining balance thanks to its alcohol content.”

Williams points out that there’s a general rule in cocktail-making that lime pairs well with clear spirits—think blanco tequila, gin, and vodka—while lemon is a good fit with dark spirits like cognac, amari, and, of course, whisky. “Bourbon, rye, and scotch all work well with limoncello—it’s a match made in boozy heaven,” Williams says.

The Whiskey Sour is perhaps the most well-known whiskey and lemon cocktail, and it makes a great starting point for experimenting with limoncello, allowing you to boost the sweet and zesty lemon flavor while also adding body and texture to the drink. From there, the sky’s the limit: Any drink that would benefit from a burst of sweet citrus could use some limoncello in the mix.

The Lemon Chiffon

Daniel Lagestee, beverage coordinator and mixologist for Journeyman Distillery and its Staymaker restaurant

• 1 oz. Journeyman W.R. or similar white whiskey
• 3/4 oz. limoncello
• 3/4 oz. walnut liqueur
• Lemon Twist for garnish

Shake all ingredients for 15 seconds and double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.