A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Limoncello
A sweet, lemony Italian liqueur, pronounced with a clear 'ch' sound like in 'cello'.
limoncello
lee-mun-CHELL-oh
/ˌliː.mənˈtʃɛl.loʊ/ · lee · mun · CHELL · oh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular topic in food and drink blogs and discussions about cocktails.
Where the word comes from
The word 'limoncello' comes from the Italian word 'limone', meaning 'lemon'. It's a diminutive form, suggesting a small or special lemon-based liqueur.
Common ways people get it wrong
- lee-mon-SELL-oh The 'c' in limoncello is pronounced like a 'ch' in English, not an 's'. Remember the Italian origin for the sound.
- lim-on-CHEL-lo The first syllable 'li' is pronounced like 'lee', not 'lim'. Ensure the vowel sound is long and clear.
Frequently asked
What does limoncello taste like?
Limoncello is a sweet and tart liqueur with a strong lemon flavor. It's made from the zest of lemons, so it's very bright and citrusy.
Is limoncello a wine or a spirit?
Limoncello is a spirit, specifically a liqueur. It's made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol and then mixing it with a sugar syrup.