DOTD For Monday, June 22, 2026
What's Sweet, Tart, & Perfect For A Hot Summer Day? This.
Today’s DOTD - Drink Of The Day - is a Bon Bon Cocktail inspired by National Limoncello Day.
National Limoncello Day is marked every year on June 22. The day symbolizes the idea that even the most difficult situations can be turned into positive experiences. When life hands you lemons, it means you’re in a challenging situation. The importance of turning such events or situations into something good and positive is symbolized by National Limoncello Day.
History Of Limoncello & National Limoncello Day
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from the zest of lemons, water, sugar, and alcohol - usually vodka or grappa. The exact origin of limoncello is heavily debated, with the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and the island of Capri all claiming to be its birthplace. The Italian industry trade group that regulates limoncello agrees traces its roots to the early 1900s, when an Italian woman named Maria Antonia Farace first produced and served the sweet, citrusy liqueur on the island of Capri.
Limoncello is traditionally made with Femminello St. Teresa lemons, which are native to the Italian Sorrento Peninsula. This sweet and sour beverage is popular all over the world, but it is primarily produced in Southern Italy, particularly in the Capri region, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Amalfi Coast. Limoncello production necessitates a great deal of attention and precision. Lemons are harvested during the summer months, from February to October. They are hand-picked to avoid contact with the ground at all times.
Limoncello is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy and is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. It is also a popular homemade liqueur, with various recipes available online and in print.
American Marie Barber and her husband are credited with beginning the holiday of National Limoncello Day, After they were confronted with a difficult situation on June 22, 2017, they chose to take a positive spin on the event, based on the old adage “turning lemons into lemonade.” They decided to modify the phrase to “turning lemons into limoncello” and make their own annual tradition to celebrate overcoming adversity. They shared their experience on the internet, and every year since on June 22nd, National Limoncello Day is observed.
National Limoncello Day FAQs
Where does limoncello come from?
Southern Italy. Limoncello is a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur. It’s mostly made in Sorrento, Capri, along the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy.
What type of lemons are used in limoncello?
Traditionally, limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento or Sfusato lemons. Lemon zest, or peels without the pith, is steeped in rectified spirit until the oil is released.
What is the difference between limoncello and limoncino?
In short, regional language usage. Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy, especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula, the coast of Amalfi, and the islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri. In northern Italy, the liqueur is often referred to instead as Limoncino.
Five Interesting Facts About Lemons
Lemons are berries
Botanically speaking, lemons are berries. They fit the scientific definition of a berry because they develop from a single ovary and contain seeds. Specifically, lemons are a specialized type of berry with a leathery rind and a juicy interior divided into segments, known as a hesperidium. But in common parlance, lemons are considered citrus fruits.
Lemons have anti-bacterial properties
Lemon juice in hot water can help with a sore throat because lemons have antibacterial properties.
Lemons can be used to dye hair
Apply lemon juice to your hair every day and sit in the sun for a week to get some natural highlights.
Lemons help to burn excess fat
Due to their acidic nature, lemons can burn calories and reduce fat.
They also have antioxidant properties
Other fruits can be kept from turning brown by sprinkling lemon juice on them.
Ways To Celebrate National Limoncello Day
Treat your friends with lemon drinks or food
Everyone enjoys a refreshing beverage, so why not treat your friends to one? Beat the heat by getting together with friends and having a refreshing glass of limoncello.
Of course, you may want to have something tasty to serve them, like this simple recipe for Easy Lemon Bon Bons!
Enjoy a cool drink of limoncello
Sip an ice-cold glass of limoncello on this sunny day and think about how you can turn the lemons in your life into limoncello. What better way is there to spend a lazy afternoon?
Make a fresh limoncello cocktail
Sure, you could just drink limoncello. Or? You could make a great limoncello cocktail, like the Bon Bon Cocktail, today’s Drink Of The Day!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’re going to need for this drink:
