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One Bottle, Endless Possibilities
Ideas for small parties with a single spirit

Q: I'm having a party in a few days and I don't know what to offer to my friends. I have some bottles of Limoncello in my house. It's lemon liquor that I bought in Italy. I would appreciate your help and suggestion of what kind of cocktail can I make with Limoncello.

-- J. Leon, Mexico City, Mexico

A: The possibilities are endless.

I suggest going out and buying some fruit juices that you like: peach, pineapple and cranberry can be tasty. Also add to the list ice, fresh mint leaves (if available), 1-3 lemons or limes, one orange and maraschino cherries with stems. Maybe throw in a few boxes of your favorite Jell-O flavors too.

The morning of your party make some Jell-O shooters. Right before the party pick the leaves from the mint and rinse them in cool water. Keep them chilled in a small bowl. Crush or muddle them into glasses before pouring. Slice the lemon/limes and orange into wheels. Put cherries in a small bowl where you plan to make the drinks. In a container with ice, chill fruit juices and Limoncello.

As your friends arrive have them pick out what juices they want (mixed or plain) but use no more than 4 oz of juice. Pour juice into shaker that is already packed with ice. Add 1 1/2 oz liquor and squeeze a piece of lemon or lime. Shake then strain drink into serving glass already prepared with muddled mint leaves, rub lemon or lime on the rim; add remains of lime and orange slice.

Have them select a cherry and create a name for their combination.

If you don't want to play bartender all night, ask a friend or prepare a punch. Simply combine the three 750 ml of juice with 750 ml of Limoncello in a punch bowl, although that is a terrible injustice to the liqueur.

Cheers!
Miss Cocktail