Non-alcoholic limoncello offers the same sunny brightness and lemony zing of the traditional Italian liqueur, without the alcohol. Perfect for anyone avoiding spirits or looking for a family-friendly alternative, this version captures the essence of limoncello using real lemon zest, sugar, and a bit of creativity. The result is a vibrant, sweet-tart syrup that can be used in drinks, desserts, or simply enjoyed chilled on its own.
What makes this recipe stand out is its ability to retain the sunny, sophisticated profile of limoncello while being completely alcohol-free. It’s perfect for entertaining guests of all ages, making homemade gifts, or simply enjoying a taste of the Amalfi Coast any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Alcoholic Limoncello
It’s typically made with fresh lemon zest, sugar, water, and sometimes lemon juice or a lemon-flavored syrup for an extra kick—no alcohol involved!
It has the same bright, zesty lemon flavor, but it’s lighter and perfect for all ages or anyone avoiding alcohol.
It’s quick! Unlike traditional limoncello that needs weeks to infuse, the non-alcoholic version can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed bottle or jar. Shake the non-alcoholic limoncello well before serving to fully mix the citrus flavors.
Definitely! It’s great on its own over ice, mixed with sparkling water, or as a base for refreshing mocktails.
Yes! This version is completely alcohol-free and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Traditionally, yes. Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur made with alcohol. However, non-alcoholic versions like this one are gaining popularity as inclusive and kid-friendly alternatives.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 1 cup water filtered
- 5 pieces lemons zested
- 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup.
- Combine the lemon zest with the prepared simple syrup in a large jar or bowl. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the simple syrup mixture and stir well.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lemon zest.
- Refrigerate the non-alcoholic limoncello until chilled before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Love this alcohol-free limoncello? Check out more recipes for desserts with Limoncello.








This is the best summer drink! So refreshing and easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
This is awesome! I love that it’s non-alcoholic, and it tastes just like the real thing! My kids enjoyed it too.
I dunno… I followed the recipe but mine turned out way too sweet. I think you need to add less sugar maybe?
Is it supposed to taste like candy? Not what I expected. 🤷♂️
I think it’s meant to be sweet, but maybe you added too much sugar? 🤔
I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time? 🤔
I made this for my family and they loved it! It was so refreshing, especially on a hot day. Definitely a keeper!
Very nice! Just perfect with ice! 👍 Recommended!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it! Ice really does make it super refreshing! 🧊
Looks good, but limoncello without alcohol? What’s the point? Just drink lemonade. 🤷♂️
How can lemmon juice be fresh if it’s in a bottle. This is just not correct.
I tried making it, but my lemons were too sour… what did I do wrong? 😕
Sour lemons can happen! Maybe your lemons were just really ripe? You can always add a bit more sugar if it’s too tangy for your taste!
Just add more sugar next time! Lemons can vary a lot, so don’t worry too much about it.
This was all sugar and lemons, not really sure if I would make it again. 🤔
I can see why you feel that way! It’s super tangy, but if you like a sweeter taste, maybe try adding more sugar next time?
This recipe is super refreshing! Perfect for summer days. ☀️
This recipe is too short, I didn’t understand the part about the sieve.
Why would anyone make this without alcohol? Just drink lemonade instead lol!
Some people just prefer non-alcoholic drinks! This sounds refreshing, especially in summer!
Yummy! My family loved it! I poured it over vanilla ice cream, so good! 🍧
I mean, ice cream is good, but limoncello on ice cream? Really? Seems weird to me. 🤨
That sounds amazing! I’ll have to try it over ice cream too! 🍋🍨
It was okay, but I thought it needed more lemon flavor. Maybe add a couple extra lemons?
Isn’t limoncello supposed to be alcoholic? 🤔
WOW! Loved it! Perfect for the kids, too! Enticing and sweet! 😍
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it for my kids’ party. Thanks for sharing! 🍋
Had no lemons, so I used lime instead. Still turned out pretty good!
Lemon juice + sugar = 🍋🍭💖
My kids didn’t like it, too sour for them. Maybe I added too much lemon juice?
Maybe try less lemon juice next time! It can be really tangy. My kids love it when I reduce the lemon!
I loved this recipe! So easy and quick. But, what do you mean by zesting? I just used whole lemons.
This limoncello was so refreshing! Perfect for summer days! 🍋💛
But wait, is it really limoncello if it ain’t got no alcohol? 🤔
I totally agree! This is so good, I made it for my BBQ and everyone loved it! 🍋✨
lemons? shouldnt you also add a liitle gin or vodka?? lol
Haha, good idea! But this one is non-alcoholic, so we’ll skip the gin or vodka. Makes it family-friendly!
Just made it, and it taste gud, but i think im gonna add more juice next time.
I don’t understand how it’s supposed to taste like limoncello without alcohol. Isn’t that the whole point?
Tried this but it was way too sweet for my taste. I think less sugar would be better.
What’s the point of limoncello without alcohol? This is just lemonade! No thanks.
This is so refreshing! I made it for a party, and everyone loved it.
Not my favorite. The recipe could use less sugar.
I actually love it sweet! But I guess everyone’s taste is different.
Gotta try this with a hint of mint! Will jazz it up! 🌱🍋
Meh, I’ve had better. Just tasted like lemonade…
This recipe is super easy! Made it for my kids, and they loved it. 5 stars!
Lemon lover’s dream! I couldn’t stop sipping on this, a total crowd-pleaser!
Sweet drink!
Sweet? Too sweet for my taste. I think it needs less sugar.
I made this for a party and everyone loved it! So refreshing!
Doesn’t seem like real limoncello tbh. I don’t know if I will make this again.
I disagree! It tastes just like the real thing without the alcohol. You just have to give it a chance!
I followed the recipe exactly, but it turned out really sour. Not my favorite.
I just mixed it all without straining it, and it turned out okay! Lol.
I didn’t have fresh lemons, so I used lemon juice from a bottle. Not as good!
I totally get it! Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing. Fresh is best for sure! 🍋
But I use bottled all the time and it tastes fine to me. Maybe you just need to add a bit more.
Is this limoncello supposed to be yellow? Mine was kinda cloudy. Is that normal?
Not really what I expected. Tastes kinda bland, may need more lemon juice next time.
I think the lemon juice is definitely the key! Maybe try adding a bit at a time and tasting as you go. It can really change the flavor!
I dunno, tasted kinda weird. I think next time I won’t strain it.
Easy and fun to make, but did I really do it right? Not sure…
Too sweet for me. Don’t think I even finished it. Meh.
Delicious! Perfect for summer parties. Refreshing and zesty!
Wow, this is a great idea! Non-alcoholic drinks are amazing!
I made this for my kids, and they loved it! Super refreshing.
Easy recipe! I added some mint leaves for a twist and woah, it was great!
Is this really limoncello if it doesn’t have alcohol? Just sayin’.
Oops, accidentally put the zest in before cooking. Should I start over?
So tangy and yum! Perfect for summer gatherings. Just wish I had known to strain it better. Some zest bits still got in.
I had the same issue with the zest! Next time, I’m gonna use a coffee filter. Super refreshing drink though!
Great summer drink but it’s a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time I will reduce the sugar.
Yeah, it is kinda sweet. I added more lemon juice and it balanced it out. Maybe try that! 🍋
Super easy to make! I added some mint and it turned out delicious. Will make again!
Wow! This Non-Alcoholic Limoncello is just superb! I made it for my friends and they loved it. So refreshing!
Yay! This tastes just like Italy. Mama mia, I love it! 🍋
Really easy to make, but it didn’t taste like real limoncello to me. I’ll stick to the original.
Limoncello is always alcoholic, this recipe is weird. 🤨
Actually, it’s a fun twist on a classic! I tried it and it was refreshing. Just because it doesn’t have alcohol doesn’t mean it can’t taste great!
Yum! Perfect for summer days. I’ll make it again for sure!
This is like a lemonade but fancier. Lol. I added some mint too!
I needed to use up some lemons, this was perfect! Easy to make and yummy!
Seems too easy, can it really taste good without alcohol? Guess I’ll have to try it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Lemons are so versatile. Did you have any adjustments or tips?
Easy to make, but tasted a lil too sweet for me. Not sure if I’d make again.
Sweet?! I think you made it wrong. It’s supposed to be zesty!
I actually found it perfect! Maybe try less sugar next time? I love the tartness.
Not sure why you would make limoncello without the alcohol. Isn’t that just lemonade?
I don’t like lemons, but my friend loves them and she thought this was great!
My kids loved it! Super easy to make and a fun family project. Thanks for sharing!
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
Quick and easy! Will make again, thanks! 🌟
So glad to hear you liked it! It’s so refreshing! 🍋
This limoncello is super refreshing! Perfect for summer days. 🍋
Totally agree! It’s like summer in a glass! ☀️🍋
Can someone tell me if this needs to sit long in fridge? I wanna drink it now!
Amazing! Perfect for summer. I added some mint leaves for a twist and it was delish!
Mint sounds like a great idea! I never thought of that, but I bet it adds a nice freshness.
I dunno, mint and limoncello? Seems like an odd combo. I’m not sure I’d like it.
This was a total fail for me. I don’t even know what went wrong, but it just didn’t taste right.