Limoncello: Discover the history of the drink of "La Dolce Vita"

Limoncello - the intense lemon flavoured liqueur of Italian origin that is so pleasant to consume and is the ideal drink for every occasion in Corfu. The origins of this drink may be shrouded in mystery and theories may vary, but without a doubt there is nothing sweeter and more pleasant to refresh you after a meal, especially on hot summer nights.

Home of "limoncello" is the famous for its beauty, wildlife and opulence Capri, Italy, which was once the island where what we call today "la dolce vita" dominated. Lenin said that "Capri makes you forget everything", when he visited it in 1910 with Maxim Gorky, while one of its caves, according to Homer, was home to the mythical Sirens who enchanted Odysseus. It is an island where you can enjoy an aperitivo called limoncello spritz in the beautiful Piazetta Square, which the writer Norman Douglas rightly described as "the little theatre of the world".

Inspiring scenery, mild climate and liberal lifestyle. A place that has been adored - for more than 2000 years - by Roman emperors, politicians, famous Hollywood artists and rich people and has for years been at the top of the international jet set's preferences.

It is said that limoncello was created sometime in 1950, when a beautiful and fragrant garden in the centre of the famous Anacapri (the first capital of the island built in a strategic position due to pirate raids) inspired a housewife. The garden of the then residence has been transformed into one of the island's most popular restaurants.

Trees about 100 years old continue to adorn this beautiful garden and continue to bear fruit to this day. Limoncello Di Capri was the first to be released in the world as the fame of this drink soon went beyond the borders of Italy. It is also worth mentioning that the signature dish is none other than "tagliolini ai limone"!

It is well known that Southern Italy, and in particular the Amalfi Coast, are places where thousands of lemon trees still flourish today.

But how did this drink arrive in Greece and has become an aperitif in Corfu?

Corfu is clearly influenced not only in terms of architecture but also in terms of gastronomy from the early years of Venetian rule. Having trade relations with Italy, limoncello's reputation did not take long to reach Corfu. Initially locals, and later large producers, started making the famous aperitif which was particularly enjoyed on hot summer days. Limoncello, along with kumquat, is the most known digestive in Corfu restaurants today.

Another version claims that one of Capri's most regular visitors was Aristotle Onassis. He used to visit the island and the Amalfi Coast in the summers with his yacht "Christina". It is well known that Onassis had business acumen. So during his summer holidays, the island of Corfu was a stopover for him. It is said that he once told the locals about his experience of tasting limoncello. Being an island with such a strong Venetian influence, Corfiots did not hesitate to experiment by trying to produce it, which had a very successful development.

But where can we find authentic limoncello without having to order or travel to neighbouring Italy?

Lazaris Distillery offers moments of pleasure to your palate while taking you on a journey to the island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

At Lazaris Distillery, limoncello liqueur is obtained by extraction of lemon peel in the traditional way that has been transferred from generation to generation for years.

The peels are carefully cleaned so that no trace of the bitter white inside remains. Then, they are placed with alcohol in stainless steel tanks, in order for the alcohol to get the substances, aroma, and colour of the fruit. Then the added syrup is making the composition of the liquor. The liqueur is then filtered and bottled.

Transparent, aromatic, and delightful, the limoncello liqueur is served chilled as a digestive drink after each meal. It is a popular ingredient for dessert recipes and combined perfectly with sweet tarts, fruit salads, cakes, and dried fruits. It is also wonderful with crushed ice or as an ingredient in cocktails.

Lazaris Distillery's limoncello liqueur has been awarded with the following:

- 1st Taste Award at "Alcohol/Drink/Wine/SoftDrinks" category in Expotrof Exhibition 2020 in Athens.

- GOLD Award at "Packaging" Category in Expotrof Exhibition 2020 in Athens.

- 2 stars award in tasting contest with the process of blind tasting by a committee of tasting experts in Expotrof Exhibition 2020 in Athens.

Limoncello cream liqueur

An excellent and original variant of limoncello is the limoncello cream liqueur. It is created by adding milk to the final stage of the production process, leaving a sweet, velvety sensation on the palate. Its velvety texture makes it an excellent ingredient for cocktails.

The Distillery

The history of Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets begun in 2005 by Konstantinos Lazaris and offers all the abundance and flavours of Corfu to your table!

Its team, having a passion for the island's culinary tradition, evolves the pure raw materials creating a culinary variety of high expectations.

Their goal is for their products to become an integral part of daily diet and pleasure and that the raw materials are used for wonderful combinations and flavours, both in cooking and pastry, as well as in the field of bartending. Finally, they aim to introduce the flavours of another era to the modern world traveller.