Paul Kushner
The Bourbon Limoncello is a spirited twist on classic Southern flavors, combining the richness of bourbon or rye with the bright citrus of limoncello and lemon juice. Peach preserves lend a subtle sweetness while mint and bitters add depth and aroma. It’s a well-balanced cocktail that bridges sweet, tart, and herbal notes perfect for sipping on a porch or serving at a dinner gathering.
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Tasting Notes
The Bourbon Limoncello cocktail strikes a balance between sweet, citrus, herbal, and bitter. Bourbon or rye brings a rich, oaky depth with warming spice. Limoncello adds a bright lemon-forward sweetness that complements the sharpness of fresh lemon juice. Peach preserves lend a subtle fruitiness and body, while mint introduces a cooling layer of freshness. Two types of bitters black lemon and Orleans add complexity, tying the citrus and herbal notes together. The result is a refreshing, slightly tart drink with a touch of southern warmth and a layered flavor profile that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker and a muddler to extract flavor from the mint and mix the preserves. A jigger will keep your pours consistent, and a citrus squeezer ensures maximum juice from the lemon. To refine the texture, consider double straining through a fine mesh strainer along with your regular cocktail strainer. For garnish prep, have a paring knife and bar spoon on hand. This drink is best served in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, which enhances its aroma and keeps the focus on the flavor without over-dilution from excess ice.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz rye or bourbon
- ¾ oz limoncello
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes black lemon bitters
- 2 dashes Orleans bitters
- 1 tbsp peach preserves
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- Garnish: Mint sprig and lemon wheel
Instructions
- Place mint leaves and peach preserves into a shaker and gently press with a muddler to blend and release the mint’s oils.
- Add bourbon (or rye), limoncello, lemon juice, and both bitters.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake until well chilled about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. For a cleaner finish, double strain using a fine mesh strainer.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality preserves for better texture and flavor
- Don’t over-muddle mint to avoid bitterness
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer
- Shake with cracked or smaller ice for better mixing
- Adjust lemon juice for desired tartness
- Use a jigger to maintain balanced ratios
- Double strain for a cleaner finish
- Try a rye if you want a spicier profile
- Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled
- Garnish last to preserve aroma and presentation
When to Serve
The Bourbon Limoncello works well as a summer evening cocktail or an afternoon refresher with a bold twist. Its citrus and mint notes make it a great choice for patio gatherings, weekend brunches, or outdoor dinners. It also transitions well into fall, thanks to the richness of the bourbon and the fruit-forward touch of peach. Serve it as a pre-dinner drink or at cocktail hour when you’re looking for something with both brightness and depth. It’s best served freshly shaken and well chilled.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Bourbon / Rye:
- Bulleit Rye
- Woodford Reserve
- Four Roses Small Batch
- Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Wild Turkey 101
- Limoncello:
- Pallini Limoncello
- Caravella
- Luxardo Limoncello
- Ventura Limoncello
- Meletti Limoncello
Similar Cocktails
- Earl Grey–Bourbon Punch
- Peachy Keen Cocktail
- Bourbon Peach Old-Fashioned
- Peach Me Cocktail
- Kentucky Peach Bourbon and Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1½ oz rye or bourbon
- ¾ oz limoncello
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes black lemon bitters
- 2 dashes Orleans bitters
- 1 tbsp peach preserves
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- Garnish: Mint sprig and lemon wheel
Instructions
- Place mint leaves and peach preserves into a shaker and gently press with a muddler to blend and release the mint’s oils.
- Add bourbon (or rye), limoncello, lemon juice, and both bitters.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake until well chilled about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. For a cleaner finish, double strain using a fine mesh strainer.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality, not-too-sweet peach preserve to keep the drink balanced.
- Black lemon and Orleans bitters add complexity don’t skip them if you want layered flavor.
- Gently muddle the mint to avoid bitterness.
