If you’re on the lookout for your next sunshine-in-a-glass moment, Villa Cardea’s Limoncello might just be it. This wee beauty was launched last week at a rather splendid affair in Glasgow and is now available in Morrisons and Asda stores across the UK this month, just in time for spritz season. And whether you’re basking in the balmy Mediterranean heat or braving a Scottish “summer,” this little gem promises a taste of La Dolce Vita—rain or shine.
Crafted in Bergamo in Northern Italy, Villa Cardea’s Limoncello is made the proper way, steeped with Sicilian lemon peel and nothing artificial.
It’s bright, bold, and beautifully balanced, with a citrusy kick that makes it perfect for sipping neat, shaking into cocktails, or my personal favourite building into a gloriously fizzy spritz.
To taste, Villa Cardea Limoncello is like summer bottled and poured with purpose. The brigh burst of fresh lemon zest is unmistakably vibrant which then mellows into soft floral whispers of orange blossom and a wee hint of something herbaceous that keeps you guessing.
On the nose? Pure sunshine. You’ll catch a sherbet-y citrus scent, almost like lemon bonbons, with a delicate touch of lemongrass floating in. The palate brings it home: smooth, lively and well-balanced, dancing between candied peel sweetness and a cheeky tang. There’s even a gentle flicker of ginger warmth that lingers just long enough.
Limoncello Spritz – the Cocktail of the Summer
You might have seen Limoncello Spritz popping up on bar menus all over the UK, and it’s easy to see why. It’s refreshing, playful, and dangerously moreish. Best of all, it’s a breeze to make at home. Here’s a lovely wee recipe on how to make the perfect Limoncello Spritz
Villa Cardea Limoncello Spritz
3 parts chilled Prosecco
2 parts Villa Cardea Limoncello
1 part soda water
A slice of lemon (Sicilian if you’re feeling fancy)
Method: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the Prosecco, top with soda, and finish with Limoncello. Stir gently, garnish with your lemon slice, and imagine yourself somewhere a little sunnier.
And for something cool… the Limoncello Spritzicle
Part cocktail, part ice lolly, and 100% summer fun. These Limoncello Spritzicles are ideal for garden parties, BBQs, or just stashing in the freezer for when you want something a little different. (They might look innocent, but remember they’re strictly for grown-ups!)
Limoncello Spritzicle
100ml water
20ml fresh lemon juice + zest
2 tablespoons sugar
20ml Villa Cardea Limoncello
Method: Mix everything together until the sugar dissolves. Pour into lolly moulds (you’ll get 2–3 depending on size) and freeze overnight. Simple, zingy, and far too easy to eat more than one…
Villa Cardea’s Limoncello recently picked up a Gold at the London Spirits Competition—no mean feat and I know why, it’s utterly delicious and just sunshine in a glass. And at £12.50 a bottle (22% ABV), it’s a brilliant little bottle to have stashed in your fridge all summer long.
So go on—pop open the Prosecco, slice that lemon, and raise a glass to la dolce vita… even if you’re just in the back garden with your pals, a dodgy deck chair, and some good tunes.
Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”