This week’s Cultural Close-up is a famous Italian liquor – Limoncello, known as the local specialty of the Amalfi Coast.
Limoncello is a liquor made from lemon zest and is frequently enjoyed at the end of the meal to help with digestion and soothing of the stomach. Limoncello dates back to ancient Roman time, the drink was believed to have medicinal properties.
The drink as we know it today became commercialised in the 19th century and has since grown in popularity to become the 2nd most popular liquor in Italy. You can find Limoncello is most restaurants in Southern Italy, especially in the towns along the Amalfi Coast, where the drink originated. Each restaurant will make limoncello using their own recipe, so be prepared to taste subtle differences in the sweetness and tanginess of this liquor.
Limoncello is a great souvenir for those looking to bring a little taste of Italy back home.
Cultural Close-ups is a series of photographs and stories from around the world that go beyond the pretty sights and famous attractions. If you’d like to contribute a photo and a short story to Cultural Close-Ups, please email your submission to [email protected]
For more on travel in Italy, visit Italy Travel Diary
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