Caffo Limoncino is a traditional Calabrian lemon liqueur in the limoncello tradition, poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by the Fratelli Caffo distillery in Limbadi, Calabria, it is crafted from small, intensely fragrant Calabrian lemons. We list it because it offers a bright, sun-warmed finish to dinner that feels, quite simply, like a little of southern Italy carried from our family to your table.
About the Producer
Distilleria Caffo has been making spirits in Limbadi, in the Calabrian region of southern Italy, since 1915. The Caffo brothers have stewarded the house for generations, honoring traditional, artisanal techniques while modernizing their distillation processes and building a new flagship production plant beside the original distillery. For Limoncino, the family sources lemons and botanicals from their own estate farms as well as from local Calabrian growers and foragers.
Style & Production
Limoncino is the southern Italian name for limoncello-style lemon liqueur. Caffo produces it by steeping the peel of small Calabrian lemons in neutral grain spirit, then sweetening the infusion. The result is unmistakably natural: rather than a neon-yellow glow, it shows the soft hue of freshly squeezed lemonade, with the pithy character of real fruit. The flavor and color are entirely natural, made without added extracts.
Tasting Notes
Expect a clean, vivid burst of fresh lemon zest and oil on the nose, ripe with citrus brightness. On the palate it is sweet but not cloying, balanced by the gentle bitterness of lemon pith and a lively, cooling finish. Served well chilled, it is refreshing and elegant rather than heavy, the kind of pour that lingers pleasantly.
What to Pair It With
Limoncino is a natural companion to dessert. It is lovely alongside Mama’s Tiramisu, brilliant with our Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, and a refreshing finish next to a scoop of gelato or sorbet. Ask your server how it suits the rest of the dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour Caffo Limoncino chilled, on its own as a digestivo, at $11 per serving, by candlelight to close the evening with a touch of Calabrian sunshine.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Caffo Limoncino is made by Distilleria Caffo in Limbadi, in the Calabria region of southern Italy, using small Calabrian lemons.
What does it taste like?
It tastes of bright, fresh lemon zest, sweet but balanced by the gentle bitterness of real lemon pith, with a cooling, refreshing finish when served chilled.
Is Limoncino the same as limoncello?
Yes, Limoncino is the southern Italian name for limoncello-style lemon liqueur, made by steeping lemon peel in spirit and sweetening it.
To enjoy Caffo Limoncino with us, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
