Top 10 Best Limoncello Brands & Where To Buy Limoncello In The USA

1. Pallini Limoncello

Pallini is one of Rome’s oldest and most well-known distilleries that has been active for the last 140 years. Furthermore, it continues to operate as a family business today! Given its importance, it’s no surprise that Pallini’s limoncello is one of the easiest to find in the USA.

Pallini has a overall hazy and milky appearance in both the bottle and the glass. Its aromas of lemon and sugar are subtle on the nose. Meanwhile, they pair well and result in a smooth tart profile. Finally, it delivers has a slightly antiseptic note on the finish, which is surprisingly pleasant as it lingers with a touch of citrus.

2. Limoncino Bottega Limoncello

Bottega is one of Italy’s oldest vitners that can trace its history back to 1635 when the family first worked for the Counts of Callalto. Today, it has received over 280 prizes and awards for its liquor and wine. It’s likely for this reason that its limoncello is referred to as the older name, “limoncino”.

Its limoncello is made with traditional Sorrento lemons, which are peeled by hand when at their freshest and then infused for a month with the alcohol. Finally, it receives a touch of grappa as well as the sguar when bottled, which results in a unique flavour.

3. Meletti Limoncello

Meletti is best known for its anisette and sambuca, which were first produced by Silvo Meletti in his mother’s small shop in 1870. Meletti’s limoncello follows a similar path and is made using an authentic Italian family recipe.

4. Luxardo Limoncello

Like Meletti, Luxardo is a better known for something else. In this case, it is often associated with having perfected marascino cherry liqueur. Luxardo was founded in 1821 and has endured hardships through both world wars. After it was bombarded during the Second World War, the distillery moved to Torreglia.

Luxardo contradicts claims that limoncello is a relatively recent product by stating that their recipe was first advertised in 1905. Furthermore, it’s a little different from other recipes in that Luxardo also uses the pulp and juice in its production.

Consequently, the limoncello has a rich, oily aroma of lemon, which is particularly potent on the palate too. Its mouthfeel is thick and heavy while the limoncello delivers complex flavours.

5. Il Tramonto Limoncello

Aside from it being imported from Italy by the Prestige Beverage Group, we don’t have much information about Il Tramonto limoncello. Therefore, it appears to be a private label, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Il Tramonto is cloudy with a yelow-green hue. It delivers slightly toasted yet zesty aromas with a hint of yeast. For a limoncello, it’s surprisingly tart and Il Tramonto also offers a milder body than some of the heavy hitters in this list.

6. Fabrizia Limoncello

Fabrizia is an artisanal American producer of limoncello in New Hampshire that follows a traditional recipe. Its limoncello is completely handmade in small batches with fruit obtained through direct relationship with Sunkist Growers in California and Gruppo Villari in Sicily.

The result is a wonderfully harmonious limoncello with a lively nose and balanced flavour. The finish is somewhat drier than Italian limoncello with a viscous mouthfeel.

7. Pallini Limoncello Cream

Although a few of the distilleries listed here do produce their own crema di limoncello, if you’re going to try one, it ought to be from Pallini. At first, limoncello cream is a little unusual but you quickly get used to it. The creaminess works well with the lemon zest and it is very refreshing if topped up as a cream soda.

8. Knight Gabriello Limoncello Santoni

Gabriello Santoni is a well-known distiller in Italy who was recently awarded a knighthood by the Italian Republic. Therefore, he changed his brand name from Gabriello Santoni to Knight Gabriello. This is the reason why you may occasionally see two different names in circulation.

His limoncello is produced using only organically-grown lemons. The resulting flavour is distinct and supple with an overall sweet finish.

9. Morey Limoncello

Moley is the second of only two limoncellos that we’ve featured, which hasn’t been produced in Italy. Interestingly, it even comes from the Balearic Island of Mallorca off the Spanish coast. Featuring a very distinctive bottle, it’s made using a traditional Italian recipe with local lemon peels.

10. Landucci Limoncello

While Landucci isn’t our favourite limoncello, it does offer something that others don’t. For instance, it’s significantly milder at just 17% ABV so those who aren’t fond of strong spirits may prefer it for this reason.

Furthermore, it has a creamy finish with a certain lemon tartness. Although it isn’t as sweet as other offerings, it does lack a certain citrus burst so it may not be a particularly authentic experience compared to the brands above. Finally, it’s also very cheap at just $16 for a bottle!