Citrus With A Twist

Two friends “squeezed the day” and turned a classic into an irresistibly delicious idea.

Some traditions are perfect just the way they are, but others are made to be played with—a little tweak here, a fresh touch there, inviting them to turn into something that is now uniquely yours. Such was the case with a family recipe for limoncello that Joan Sheary’s mother-in-law made.

The popular, traditional Italian lemon liqueur is made by infusing lemon zest with alcohol and sugar, resulting in a sweet and brightly colored drink that is often used as a dessert cocktail. Sheary’s beloved mother-in-law originally hailed from Pontelandolfo, Italy, and whenever she would visit the family, she would bring a homemade batch for the family. And it was strong—very strong. Sheary’s husband offhandedly joked to Joan and her friend Cheryl St. Onge, both teachers in Worcester and Cape Cod summer residents, that after their retirement, they should improve upon his mother’s delicious, albeit intense, recipe. 

Needless to say as former educators—St. Onge was a teacher and middle school assistant principal as well as a former collegiate field hockey referee, and Sheary, a former Rockette and dance studio owner, was the department head of the district’s Dance department—they weren’t afraid of a challenge.