Limoncello Cocktails

Brandy Library houses one of the largest collections of spirits (not just brandy) in the country. Spirit sommelier Ethan Kelley created this spin on the White Lady cocktail that Harry MacElhone served at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in 1929. It includes limoncello, a sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur from Italy.

Angus Winchester loves limoncello and Campari and wanted to combine them in a classic-style (that is, not overly esoteric or fussy) cocktail. The result is a pretty pink drink that's citrusy and crisp.

Kathy Casey likes making her own Limoncello, the sweet Italian lemon liqueur, for this drink. (You can watch a video at liquidkitchen.tv). Pallini Limoncello, which is widely available, also works well here.

The Collins was most likely named after 19th-century bartender John Collins of London's Limmer's Hotel. The Tom Collins was originally made with Old Tom, a sweet style of gin that's extremely hard to find today.

Naren Young created this martini variation after tasting a lemon-and-basil sorbet at a restaurant. Sweet white vermouth emphasizes the basil's herbal quality, while limoncello and lemon juice give the drink a double-citrus punch.