Averna Limonata

The Averna Limonata is a simple yet satisfying highball cocktail that balances rich herbal notes with bright citrus sparkle. With just two ingredients and a fragrant garnish, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy the depth of amaro without the heaviness ideal for relaxed afternoons or a light evening drink.

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Tasting Notes

Averna Limonata brings together the herbal complexity of Sicilian amaro and the brightness of lemon soda in a drink that’s both rich and refreshing. The Averna provides depth with notes of caramel, licorice, and bitter orange, while the lemon soda lifts the profile with crisp citrus. The result is balanced and surprisingly smooth slightly bitter with a sweet, citrusy finish. The sage leaf garnish adds a delicate herbal aroma that complements the amaro’s botanicals. It’s ideal for slow sipping, offering a flavorful alternative to heavier cocktails or overly sweet mixed drinks.

Equipment and Glassware

This Averna Limonata calls for the basics. A jigger helps with accurate measuring, and a bar spoon ensures a gentle stir without disturbing the carbonation. Since there’s no shaking involved, you won’t need a cocktail shaker. Serve it in a Collins glass to accommodate ice and allow the lemon soda to mix freely with the amaro. The tall shape helps preserve the bubbles while giving room for garnish. If you prefer a slightly less diluted version, pre-chill the glass before assembling the drink. This cocktail is easy to make at home, even with a minimalist bar setup.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Averna amaro
• 4 oz lemon soda
• Garnish: lemon wheel and sage leaf

Instructions

• Fill a Collins glass with ice.
• Pour in the Averna and lemon soda.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh sage leaf.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality lemon soda with real juice if possible.
• Pre-chill the Collins glass to keep the drink colder longer.
• Gently bruise the sage leaf before garnishing to release aroma.
• Stir gently to maintain the soda’s carbonation.
• Garnish with a lemon twist instead of a wheel for added citrus oil.
• For a stronger drink, reduce lemon soda to 3 oz.
• Use large-format ice cubes to slow dilution.
• Try blood orange soda for a seasonal twist.
• Add a splash of soda water for a drier version.
• Serve immediately after mixing to retain freshness.

When to Serve

Averna Limonata is ideal for early evenings, summer lounging, and laid-back gatherings. Its balance of bitter and citrus flavors makes it well-suited for aperitivo hour or pairing with appetizers. This drink also fits nicely into casual dinner parties or afternoon picnics where you want something with flavor but not too much strength. It’s a refreshing change of pace from standard spritzes or simple highballs. Whether you’re relaxing solo or entertaining guests, it’s a go-to when you want a drink that’s quick to build and easy to enjoy.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Amaro

• Averna (required)
• CioCiaro (for a variation)
• Montenegro (sweeter alternative)

Lemon Soda

• Sanpellegrino Limonata
• Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemonade
• Q Mixers Lemon Soda
• Lorina Sparkling Lemonade
• Pellegrino Sparkling Lemon Beverage

Similar Cocktails

• King’s Cobbler
• Mezcal Cafe
• Bitter Lemon Spritz
• Barrymore
• Bubbly Paper Plane