One of the most simple and lesser known cocktails in Puerto Rico is made in 5 minutes and it has less than 3 ingredients. It is the Puerto Rican Limoncillo!
If you’re Puerto Rican you definitely know what a Puerto Rican Limoncillo is because everyone has a story about it. But if you’re not you probably don’t know about this drink.
Because the most popular drinks in Puerto Rico are usually the pina colada with no alcohol or the mojito with passion fruit.
The limoncillo is made with water, crystal light, and rum. It is a drink that goes down very smoothly. You don’t even notice that is a cocktail drink because it has that sweet juice flavor.
Don’t confuse this limoncillo with the Italian limoncello. The limoncillo is way faster and easier!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is a very economical cocktail made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- It’s a drink that you can prep days in advance.
- It is the perfect easy drink for parties, gatherings, or even for game day.
Recipe Ingredients
- Water- I always use a gallon of water because this is where traditionally the mix is made.
- White rum- There are many brands used, I used Bacardi.
- Crystal light- The limoncillo is traditionally made with lemonade flavor crystal light. I got 2 packets. The ones that make a pitcher.
Substitutions & Variations-
The limoncillo has a base but people always add extras. So feel free to try any of these options.
- Rums- Everyone has an opinion about this. I think the answer depends on what generation you ask. A lot of people say that it was best made with 151 rum (but this has been discontinued). Other people say Don Q is better or Bacardi Limón. But in reality, we used what was the cheapest!
- Crystal Light flavors- The popular brand to use is Crystal Light but the reality is that whatever brand works. I used the off-brand ones because they cost less. Some people even make this with different flavors like parcha (passion fruit).
- Candies- I myself never add candies but many people do. Some people add skittles and some like to add jolly ranchers.
How to Make A Limoncillo
- Step 1: The first step is to remove 4 cups of water. You can either remove the water from the gallon or just use 12 cups of water in a pitcher.
- Step 2: To the water, add a liter of rum and the 2 flavor packets. Shake vigorously until all the crystal light powder has dissolved. You then can serve immediately or chill.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t add any ice to your cocktail until you’re ready to drink because it will water down.
- You can make this limoncillo as a frozen option for those super hot days.
Common Questions
While you can, it won’t really be consider a limoncillo. It may be controversial but if that’s what you have then go ahead and use it.
Finger Foods To Enjoy
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Puerto Rican Limoncillo
Ingredients
- 1 liter white rum
- 12 cups water
- 2 packs lemon crystal light pitcher packets
Instructions
- In a gallon or a pitcher add all your ingredients. Mix until all the lemon mix powder has completely dissolved.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or serve over ice and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- Rum- I used Bacardi but you can use Don Q or any white rum you like. On older times it was typical to use Bacardi 151 but now is discontinued.
- Water- I usually just use a gallon of water and remove 4 cups of water. This will leave you with the gallon fill to about ¾.
- Crystal light- The brand that is usually used when making limoncillo but any brand can be used.
- Additions- Not everyone does it but many people add different types of candy to limoncillo. Popular candies to add are skittles or jolly ranchers.
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