Limoncello Rosemary Collins Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I just love mixing up simple cocktails that feel a little special without turning into a big production. A Collins is always a safe bet for something refreshing, but when you add limoncello and rosemary? Suddenly, it’s got this bright twist that’s both classic and, I dunno, kind of surprising.

This Limoncello Rosemary Collins is crisp and citrusy, with just enough herbal flavor to keep things interesting. You can whip it up at home in barely any time at all.

The first time I tried this version, I was genuinely surprised at how well the sweet lemon liqueur played with that earthy rosemary. It’s light, super refreshing, and honestly, it’s the kind of drink I could sip year-round.

If you want a cocktail that tastes fresh but doesn’t make you hunt down a dozen weird ingredients, this one’s a winner.

You’ll see what you need, the steps to pull it together, and what kind of flavors you’ll actually get in your glass.

Limoncello Rosemary Collins Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this drink is how it balances citrus, herbs, and a bit of fizz. The combo of limoncello, gin, and rosemary somehow keeps it refreshing, but not boring.

Equipment

• Collins glass – tall and narrow, just right for a bunch of ice and soda.
• Cocktail shaker – makes sure the limoncello, gin, and lemon juice blend together.
• Strainer – keeps out those little bits of ice and stray rosemary.
• Bar spoon – perfect for stirring in the soda without killing the bubbles.
• Jigger – so you don’t totally mess up the proportions.
• Small knife and cutting board – for lemon wedges or trimming rosemary sprigs.
• Ice scoop or tongs – keeps your hands out of the ice, which is… ideal.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz club soda
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
• Ice cubes (enough to fill your Collins glass)
• Lemon wheel or wedge for garnish

I always stick with fresh lemon juice—it just tastes brighter. The rosemary sprig is for aroma, and the club soda keeps things light and bubbly.

Instructions

• Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes.
• In a cocktail shaker, pour in the gin, limoncello, and lemon juice.
• Give it a good shake with ice, maybe 10 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain it into your prepared glass.
• Top it off with club soda, then stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with that rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel or wedge.

Here’s a little tip: clap the rosemary sprig between your hands before you drop it in. Sounds weird, but it really wakes up the aroma.

Notes

I think this cocktail works best with a London Dry gin—it won’t drown out the limoncello. Want it sweeter? Just add a little more limoncello, no big deal.

If you’re after a softer rosemary vibe, just stir the sprig into the drink instead of shaking it. But if you want the herbal flavor to really come through, muddle a small piece in the shaker first.

Serve it right away while the club soda’s still bubbly. The fizz is what keeps it so crisp and refreshing.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the limoncello’s bright citrus jumps out at me right away. It’s smooth, a little sweet, but thankfully not heavy at all.

There’s this clean, refreshing kick from the lemon. Honestly, it’s almost like a little wake-up call for your taste buds.

As things settle, the rosemary starts to show up. I get this gentle herbal vibe—kind of piney, but not in an overpowering way.

It really balances out the limoncello’s sweetness. Makes the whole thing feel a bit more complex, you know?

The sparkling water is doing its thing, too, with light bubbles that keep everything crisp. I’m a fan of how the fizz just kind of lifts the flavors and lets you sip at your own pace.

When it comes to the aftertaste, the lemon and rosemary sort of hang out together. There’s this fresh finish, sweet and herbal, that hangs on your palate for just the right amount of time.

Honestly, the balance between sweet, tart, and herbal is pretty steady here. Each sip feels refreshing—never too sharp or cloying, which I really appreciate.