Orangecello

It’s binge blogging again – and this time the subject is Orangecello from the Ventura Limoncello Company. I discovered this delightful liqueur early this Summer as I was finishing up a purchase at K&L Wines here in Hollywood. The fellow who was helping me, knowing I enjoy citrus liqueurs (my regular readers will recall how I rhapsodized about Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur and Acqua di Cedro), suggested I try a bottle of Orangecello. He told me it was the latest release from the Ventura Limoncello Company, a local concern about an hour’s drive from my home. Local. I love local. Further, it had just won a Double Gold at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was flying off their shelves. Local, a winner and popular – that was enough for me. The slender bottle made the trip home with me.

I had never heard of the maker – so I did bit of research. Ventura Limoncello Company is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of James Carling and Manuela Zaretti-Carling. Their Limoncello was very well received, and has been America’s highest rated Limoncello four years running. These folks are expert at their craft and they have used their knowledge and expertise to make a most extraordinary Orangecello.

With Pacific breezes and a moderate climate Ventura County is prime citrus growing territory, and only locally grown blood oranges are used in the preparation of this knockout liqueur. Sip this chilled to experience the concentrated orange flavor and peppery zing of orange zest without the syrupy quality so common in inferior products. It is a wonderful match with Aperol, club soda and my favorite, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur. If it is an Orange Martini you are craving – start with Orangecello. Give this one a try, and I bet you will make a spot for it in your liquor cabinet right between the Solerno and the Aperol.

Some of my best discoveries, like this one, have happened during the course of conversations with the professionals at the stores I frequent. I heartily recommend you develop a relationship with the staff at your favorite purveyors. Get to know them by name, and make sure they know you. Whether it be the greengrocer, the butcher, the fishmonger or at the cheese or liquor stores, let them know what you like. Actively seek their opinions and suggestions on what is new and worthwhile. The people who own and work in specialty food stores love what they do, and they enjoy and take great pride in spreading the word. So take some time to get acquainted. Shopping will be transformed from a quotidienne task into a stimulating visit with friends, and you will return home, perhaps with something new, excited and ready to get to work.
 
 

Orangecello Martini

serves 1

1 ounce Orangecello
1 ounce orange vodka (such as Grey Goose)
1/2 ounce Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
orange twist

Combine Orangecello, vodka and Solerno with ice in cocktail mixer. Shake, and strain into martini glass. Garnish with orange twist. Serve at once.
Bevi responsabilmente!

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I have no affiliation with any product, manufacturer, or site mentioned in this article.