West Coasters got to experience his limoncello earlier this year, when Fabrizia won a gold medal in the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. But Mastroianni says his biggest sense of achievement comes from feeling accepted by Boston's Italian community.
He waited more than a year after launching before trying to sell his limoncello to North End spots. Now Fabrizia serves as a sponsor of St. Anthony's Feast and flows all over the 'hood. "I feel accepted now that half of the restaurants and coffee shops in the North End are serving our product," Mastroianni says.
One such establishment is Florentine Café, a cozy Prohibition- era bar at the intersection of Hanover and Prince streets that makes an authentic setting for sipping limoncello, whether straight or mixed in cocktails. I found myself aching for a Mediterranean escape while lapping up a Lemon Drop. But if you stop by and feel daring, ask the bartender for "Gino Juice."
I'm allowed to tell you to ask for it, but not what's in it — except for the limoncello.
FABRIZIA'S LATEST:: When one of Fabrizia's Hanover Street customers asked if they made orangecello, Phil Mastroianni was quick to respond, experimenting with homemade batches. The end result: a blood-orange liqueur, launched just this month and already being poured downtown at Barracuda Tavern.
FIND OUT MORE AT FABRIZIASPIRITS.COM.
>> ASHEARER@PHX.COM :: @ARIELSHEARER
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