I discovered my love of limoncello over the weekend and thought I’d share this variation on the Tom Collins. This tastes like true alcoholic lemonade, a far cry from the funky and fake “Mike’s Hard Lynchburg Lemonade with a Twist” crap that comes in bottles. I’m not sure how I can best articulate that this is one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. It’s slightly sweet, slightly sour, very refreshing and makes an excellent summer-on-a-porch libation. This first recipe comes from Food and Wine and serves eight. The one person variation follows.

Limoncello Collins (serves eight)

• 16 ounces limoncello
• 12 ounces gin
• 8 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 24 paper thin lemon slices
• 16 ounces chilled club soda
• 8 mint sprigs

In a pitcher, combine the limoncello, gin and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours. Press 3 thin lemon slices against the inside of each of 8 collins glasses. Add ice to the glasses. Stir the limoncello mixture and pour it into the glasses. Stir 2 ounces of club soda into each drink and garnish with a mint sprig.

Limoncello Collins (serves one)

• 2 oz limoncello
• 1 oz gin
• 2 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz chilled club soda
• mint sprig and lemon for garnish

In a shaker, build limoncello, gin and lemon juice. Stir with ice. Pour into highball and top off with 2 oz of club soda and garnish with lemon and mint sprig.