Nardini Acqua di Cedro is a historic Italian citron liqueur, poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by Distilleria Nardini of Bassano del Grappa in the Veneto, it is a lightly sweet, aromatic liqueur built around the cedro, a fragrant citron. We list it because it is the refined, slightly drier cousin to limoncello, a graceful way to close a meal from our family to your table.
About the Producer
Nardini’s story began in 1779, when Bortolo Nardini founded his distillery in Bassano del Grappa, establishing what is recognized as Italy’s oldest distillery. The family had descended from Segonzano in Trentino, where they had distilled grappa from grape pomace and sold it from a traveling cart. Bortolo chose Bassano for its ample water and easy access to markets by boat. The house has remained proudly family controlled since 1779.
Style & Production
Acqua di Cedro is named for the Citrus medica, or cedro, a lemon-like citron prized for its thick, perfumed peel rather than its scant juice. Nardini flavors the liqueur by steeping that peel in alcohol, building on a base of Italian grain neutral spirit. Though made by a house famous for grappa, this liqueur contains no grappa. Nardini describes it as the noble cousin to limoncello, similar in spirit yet drier, owing in part to the tart character of the cedro.
Tasting Notes
Expect a fragrant, almost floral citrus nose, more perfumed and aromatic than a straightforward lemon. The palate is lightly sweet and gently bitter, with the cedro’s tartness lending balance and a clean, dry finish. It is elegant and restrained, the sort of liqueur that rewards slow, candlelit sipping.
What to Pair It With
Its citrus elegance makes it a lovely partner to dessert. Try it with Mama’s Tiramisu, alongside our Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, or with the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Your server can suggest pairings from the full dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour Nardini Acqua di Cedro chilled as a digestivo at $11 per serving, a quietly aromatic finish to an evening by candlelight.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Nardini Acqua di Cedro is made by Distilleria Nardini in Bassano del Grappa, in the Veneto region of Italy. Nardini, founded in 1779, is recognized as Italy’s oldest distillery.
What does it taste like?
It tastes of fragrant, almost floral citron, lightly sweet with a gentle bitterness and a dry, clean finish, more perfumed and a touch drier than limoncello.
Is it made from grappa?
No. Although Nardini is famous for grappa, Acqua di Cedro is built on a base of Italian grain neutral spirit flavored with citron peel, and contains no grappa.
To enjoy Nardini Acqua di Cedro with us, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
