A while back we ran an article about our first foray into crafting homemade limoncello. The process of making the liquer took two and a half months, and the end result was quaffed down in less than two weeks. Now it’s been years since I had even a taste of store-bought limoncello, so my basis of comparison is not what you’d call unbiased, but I can’t imagine that Danny DeVito’s Premium Limoncello Original could possibly be more delicious than our concoction.
Out of our large steeping jar we were able to get two mid-sized bottles of limoncello: one for us, and one to give to friends. And let me tell you, once you hand someone a bottle of delicious homemade booze, you’ve made a friend for life. Before we even finished our first bottle we put together a fresh batch which will come of age early next month, and our boozy yellow harvest is likely to become a bi-monthly tradition.
Of course immediately I began thinking of ways to mix our new creation and having a nice bottle of brandy on hand, the Vespa was born. I was rather surprised to find that there wasn’t already a cocktail with this name, but I thought it apt here for a number of reasons. 1) It’s somewhat similar to a Sidecar. 2) It’s a decidedly European drink. 3) It packs a surprising amount of zip.
The Vespa
1 1/2 oz Limoncello
1 1/2 oz Brandy
1/4 of an orange wheel
This drink is best served in a rocks glass over ice. There’s no need to stir or shake, so you can simply mix the limoncello and brandy in the glass and swirl with the ice. Add the orange wheel garnish to the edge of the glass, and Bob’s yer uncle. Can also be served up, in a cocktail glass.