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This is positively the BEST Limoncello Moscow Mule. Why? Because of the homemade Limoncello of course! You can use a store-bought Limoncello and I guarantee you’ll be just as happy. (Especially, mid-cocktail-ish.) But, do yourself a favor and watch the YouTube video on how to make your own Limoncello! I promise you’ll be glad you did! Even if you decide to opt for a store-bought Limoncello! You can also find the written recipe here.
Making your own Limoncello is extremely cost-effective.
The average price for a 750 ml bottle is $20.00. It cost about $10.00 to make a 750 ml bottle at home! I’ll take a 50% savings any day. Especially for the small amount of work involved. It makes for a very nice gift as well.
This particular batch was made with Vodka but next time I think I’ll try Everclear. I feel like I’ll get more bang for my buck, so to speak. Maybe the extra vodka won’t have to be added to my Limoncello Moscow Mule, saving me calories! 🙂
How to Make Limoncello
If you love anything Italian you MUST follow Orsara Recipes YouTube or check out his blog! Chef Pasquale is amazing. So full of personality. Mark my words, he will make you laugh!
Here are Chef Pasquale and his absolutely PERFECT Limoncello recipe! ENJOY!
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur. It is mostly produced in Southern Italy and traditionally made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons.
First, the lemon zest is steeped in Grappa, a type of Italian spirit. As chef Pasquale said, vodka can be used in place of Grappa. Second, let it steep. The Italians steep their Limoncello for about 40 days. However, a week or so will do just fine. Although, I tend to think the longer the better. Next, the lemon zest mixture is strained revealing a beautiful pale yellow color. Lastly, simple syrup is added to the lemon vodka mixture. Done!
The taste, absolutely divine! It is traditionally served chilled, neat (no ice), in a frosty cordial glass. Like this…
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Apparently, there is a debate about its origins. However, I know nothing about that. With that said, we’ll just be blissful in our ignorance. Saluti!
To make the Limoncello Moscow Mule
You will need:
1- 1/2 oz. Limoncello (chilled)
1 oz. Vodka (chilled)
1 Tbs. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Lemon wedge for garnish
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger root
ice
Seltzer water or club soda (I used seltzer because I didn’t want any additives to impact the taste)
Copper mule mug-20 oz (Trust me on this…it keeps it ice cold and plus it looks beautiful!)
Recipe Notes
Just a few things I want to share about the ingredients. ♥
For the best results possible ALWAYS buy quality ingredients! Buying bottom-shelf liquor in this instance will not only sacrifice taste, but you could end up with a morning-after headache from just one drink. No Bueno!
Your best bet for flavor is to get an Italian Limoncello Like these on Amazon!
YES…you can buy liquor on Amazon. But, be prepared to have a present adult to sign for delivery!! You must be 21 years of age in the United States to purchase alcohol from anywhere. And you may also pay to ship. However, some liquors do have free shipping on Amazon. Just shop around. 🙂
Good Vodka is key to avoiding a headache. I buy Vanjak. It’s produced and distilled right here in Colorful Colorado! Mid-shelf so not too terribly expensive. Smooth enough to take a shot if that’s what tickles your fancy.
Lemons…you must use fresh lemons! Don’t…just don’t…use bottled lemon juice! If you use bottled lemon juice and then give my recipe a bad review…well that’s on you because you didn’t follow the recipe. Just saying. :/ Anyhoo…
Fresh is ALWAYS best when it comes to lemon juice! Click To TweetSuperior taste. Bottom line.
The same is true for the ginger. Fresh ginger is amazing in this drink! It tastes 100 times better than ginger soda. Plus this is a low-calorie limoncello Moscow mule, so we stick with no added sugars except for what’s in the Limoncello.
Last but not least.
Club soda has mineral-like ingredients added; sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, potassium sulfate, and disodium phosphate. These can give a slight minerally taste. Seltzer water is just straight up carbonated water. The only thing added is carbon dioxide which is what makes it fizzy, like pop. This results in a cleaner taste.
Let’s make a Limoncello Mule!
First, fill copper mug half full with ice. Add Limoncello, vodka and lemon juice.
Next grate ginger directly into the mug. (I eyeballed the 1 tsp because that’s how I roll.)
Fill the rest of the way with seltzer water. Give it a gentle stir. And, enjoy!
The calorie count
My Limoncello Moscow Mule is a great cocktail if you are watching your calorie intake. The total calorie count for this drink is 172 calories! Compared to a traditional mule made with alcoholic ginger beer which has a whopping 339 calories!
The biggest calorie saver in this recipe is the seltzer. I got the same taste from fresh ginger and seltzer as I would get from the ginger beer. Minus the asinine copious amounts of sugar. The sweetness in this drink comes from the Limoncello. And, it’s just the right amount.
Cheers! Or, saluti…
Or, ypa?
Whatever floats your boat!
Here’s another cocktail you may enjoy! 🙂 ♣
🙂 Leigh Ann
Leigh Ann
Leigh Ann Schooley is the owner and founder of Making My Abode, a blog dedicated to helping homemakers live well and simply on one income. She is a believer, wife, and mother of three with more than sixteen years of homemaking experience. Leigh Ann is the recipient of the Wife of The Year award eighteen years running. She has also won the Mother of The Year award every year for the past sixteen years. She is a Colorado native raised by her dad who taught her almost everything she knows. Leigh Ann lives with her husband and family in Colorado.
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