This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Limoncello Tonic! A super easy 2-ingredient cocktail that you are going to want to sip on all summer long!

Close up of a glass of limoncello tonic garnished with rosemary.

Reasons To Love This Cocktail

Love a good gin and tonic? So do I! But I also love to replace the gin with limoncello sometimes. The sweet lemon flavor of the limoncello pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the tonic water. Limoncello and tonic is a summer favorite!

  • Only 2 ingredients (plus ice): Nothing beats simple on hot and lazy summer days!
  • Easy to make: No fancy equipment needed! Just pour into a glass filled with ice and add a garnish if you like. Super easy!
  • Refreshing: Perfect for summer sipping! Another refreshing limoncello cocktail to try is this Limoncello Spritz.
Two glasses of limoncello and tonic garnished with fresh rosemary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a limoncello tonic, you will need…

Labelled photo of ingredients needed to make a limoncello tonic cocktail.
  • Limoncello: Best if chilled! I like to keep my bottle stored in the freezer.
  • Tonic Water: This is my favorite tonic water to use. Since tonic water is a key ingredient in this simple cocktail, I like to use a good quality one for the best flavor.
  • Ice Cubes: To keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
  • Sprig of Rosemary: This is an optional garnish but it definitely kicks it up a notch and adds some additional flavor too!

Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.

How To Make A Limoncello Tonic

Ready to make one? It couldn’t be easier. You’ll be sipping on this easy limoncello cocktail in no time!

Numbered photo collage showing how to make a limoncello tonic.
  1. Pour limoncello into a glass filled with ice.
  2. Top with tonic water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
  3. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary (optional) and enjoy!

Tip: Chill the limoncello and tonic water ahead of time. This cocktail tastes best when the ingredients have been chilled in advance.

Make A Gin Limoncello And Tonic

Don’t want to skip the gin? You could also make a limoncello gin tonic. Simply add some limoncello to your G&T for a pop of bright lemon flavor.

Feel free to play with the ratios but I like: 1 ounce gin + 1 ounce limoncello + 4 to 6 ounces tonic water.

Variations

  • Use a different herb garnish: Instead of rosemary, you could also use mint, basil or thyme.
  • Add lemon slices: Garnishing with fresh lemon slices is also a nice addition.
  • Adjust proportions: It’s your drink so feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your tastes!

FAQ

What is limoncello?

Limoncello is a sweet Italian lemon liqueur originating from Southern Italy. It is made from lemon zest, sugar and a neutral alcohol like grain alcohol or vodka. Limoncello is the second most popular Italian liqueur (after Campari). It is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner drink (digestivo) but is also a popular ingredient in cocktails for a pop of lemon flavor without the sourness.

What does limoncello taste like?

It kind of reminds me of sweet lemon hard candies. It tastes sweet with an intense lemon flavor.

Where can I find limoncello?

You can find limoncello at the liquor store or make it at home. I prefer to purchase it since I know that the Italian lemons used are different from those that I will find at my local grocery store.

Glass of limoncello and tonic on a white coaster.

More Easy Cocktails

Looking for some more easy cocktails? Here are a few you might like…

Did you make this Limoncello Tonic? I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram.

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Glass of limoncello tonic garnished with fresh rosemary.

Limoncello Tonic

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Vanessa | Maple + Mango
  • Prep Time: 2 min
  • Total Time: 2 min
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Limoncello Tonic is an easy and refreshing cocktail that you are going to want to sip on all summer long!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) limoncello
  • 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml) tonic water, to taste
  • ice cubes
  • Optional garnish: sprig of rosemary

Instructions

  1. Mix: Add limoncello to a glass filled with ice.  Top with tonic water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
  2. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary (optional) and enjoy!

Notes

  • Tonic Water: Choose a good quality one since it is a key ingredient in this simple cocktail.  This is the tonic water that I like to use.  Top with the quantity of tonic water that suits your own tastes!
  • Garnish: This is optional but I love the flavor that a sprig of rosemary adds.  Some other options include: mint, basil, thyme or lemon slices.
  • Chill the ingredients in advance: A limoncello tonic tastes best when the limoncello and tonic water have been chilled ahead of time.
  • Gin Limoncello Tonic: You could also add a pop of lemon flavor to your next G&T.  Just mix together 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce limoncello and 4-6 ounces of tonic water in a glass filled with ice.

PIN it for later!

Pinterest graphic featuring a glass of limoncello and tonic garnished with rosemary.

About Vanessa Gilic

I want to help you make delicious food using real ingredients! Explore a variety of easy to follow, real-food recipes ranging from healthy eats to comfort food. Welcome to Maple + Mango – I'm so happy you're here!

You Might Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

24 Comments

  1. nancy says:

    wow i can’t believe it is only 2 ingredients and how refreshing it was. We have a heatwave all week and i’ve been living on this drink!!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      It’s been so hot here as well! Easy refreshing cocktails like this are perfect for heatwaves!

  2. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says:

    My Italian MIL will love this cocktail. She always has Limencello on hand!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      Hope she enjoys it!

  3. Sean says:

    Delightfully summery simplicity! I do love a good G&T, and I think this is a perfect variation on the idea. Love that you took the time to emphasize a good tonic too – the cheapo stuff is pretty underwhelming, and given the prominence of tonic here, you’re definitely right about wanting to pick a good one! I haven’t tried the brand you recommended, so I’m going to have to look out for it. Cheers!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      A good tonic is definitely key in this simple cocktail. Enjoy and cheers to you as well!

  4. Colleen says:

    It’s been so hot and when I saw this post I went right out and bought some limoncello. We enjoyed this drink for happy hour on the weekend with friends on the patio and everyone loved them. So refreshing!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      I’m so glad you and your friends enjoyed them! Weekend happy hour on the patio sounds fantastic!

  5. Bernice says:

    Oh my gosh! You made me so thirsty I had to make myself drink. I try to enjoy my cocktails on the weekend but after the day I had, it was much needed! So glad I keep a local limoncello in the liquor cabinet.






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      Haha – glad you had that limoncello on hand! I usually have a bottle in the freezer and tonic water on hand which makes this a super easy cocktail to put together any time mood strikes.

  6. Beth says:

    This is the perfect drink for a party of chilling out by the pool! I love how easy it is. I can’t wait to make this.






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      I agree! Cheers!

  7. Andrea says:

    Super easy to make and very refreshing. Definitely one to sip on this summer.






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  8. Laressa says:

    Simple and so refreshing! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      You’re welcome! Enjoy!

  9. Elaine says:

    Oh wow, this tonic definitely looks like it is nobody’s business. I mean, it is absolutely stunning!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      Haha…thank you!

  10. rebecca says:

    love this drink idea, especially with the rosmary added. yum!






    1. Vanessa | Maple + Mango says:

      I love the flavor that fresh rosemary adds to this drink and in the summer I always have some in my little herb garden so it’s easy grab!