Home » Bartending News » Pallini Limoncello Celebrates 150 Years of Italian Craftsmanship
Driven by bartenders’ renewed interest in classic flavors and inventive mixology, limoncello has seen notable growth across the U.S. market. Leading that momentum is Pallini, the country’s top-selling premium limoncello and a favorite among both bartenders and consumers.
Crafted in Italy by the Pallini family since 1875, Pallini Limoncello this year celebrates 150 years of Italian quality and craftsmanship. To produce Pallini Limoncello, the company uses only handpicked Sfusato lemons exclusively grown on the Amalfi Coast, which are prized for their vibrantly sweet and intense flavor and aromatic zest. The lemons are “PGI,” which means they must be grown and harvested in a specific region and adhere to exact standards. The result is a perfectly balanced liqueur – bright, natural, and refreshing – that’s delicious on its own or enjoyed in classic and contemporary cocktails.
“Lemon is the most popular flavor in the world,” says Pallini Company CEO Micaela Pallini, a chemist by training and the first woman to lead the family-run company. “But limoncello is more complex and intense than other lemon-based beverages so there’s been a lot of discovery among bartenders – especially for light long drink cocktails, spritzes, and aperitivos. I’ve even seen people use it in a margarita instead of triple sec, and in drinks like a key lime pie martini.”
Pallini’s 150-year success hasn’t come from standing still. Beyond its iconic limoncello, the distillery continues to innovate with highly successful creations such as Pallini Limonzero, the world’s first zero proof limoncello. This extremely versatile no-alcohol spirit took years to perfect and has proven to be quite popular among U.S. bartenders and consumers who are increasingly interested in exciting new options for non-alcoholic cocktails.
“Growth of Limonzero has exceeded our expectations,” says Micaela Pallini. “With the name ‘Limonzero,’ people understand exactly what it is and how to drink it. And it’s such a nice tasting product, it’s even great to drink by itself.”
Other recent Pallini innovations also include Pallini Raspicello, a richly flavored raspberry liqueur compared by Micaela Pallini to a Chambord-style spirit, and Pallini Peachello, crafted from luscious Italian white peaches for a smooth, fruit-forward liqueur that’s ideal in a Bellini and other modern cocktails.
Micaela Pallini emphasizes that their limoncello, their Limonzero, and the company’s related liqueurs are not “add-ons” but the very heart of the business, a focus that has earned the brand deep respect and loyalty within the trade. For example, in 2023, Roman-born bartender Damiano Coren used Pallini Limoncello to create the “Amalfi Spritz” (see recipe below) at New York’s famed Felice restaurant, a cocktail that proved so popular it’s now featured across all Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group locations.
“It’s exciting to see how much bartenders have started to understand and embrace limoncello. But it’s all about choosing the right limoncello,” adds Micaela, who also welcomes bartenders to reach out to the brand to arrange a private tour of Pallini’s Villa Divina in Vietri sul Mare whenever they find themselves on the Amalfi Coast.
Ingredients:
Steps:
In a white wine glass, add ice, prosecco and the rest of the ingredients. Stir gently and garnish with 2 lemon wheels.