Mr Cece (pictured) only began commercially producing limoncello this year using a family recipe handed down to his Italian-born mother, Franca.

With his first entry into the prestigious competition, Mr Cece managed to beat competitors from Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand, most with years of limoncello-making experience under their belts.

Mr Cece also picked up silver and bronze medals for his fruit liqueurs made from orange, lime and passionfruit. ``Not bad for an Australian producer from Horsley Park who only received his liquor-making licence five months ago,'' Mr Cece said.

``This is amazing recognition for all the hard work we've put in.''

He produces about 100 litres of limoncello at his Horsley Park cellar every month for his Cello Liqueurs brand and expects business to get even busier.

He and his business partner, wife Teresa, are planning to expand the range to include limoncello-flavoured jams and sorbets.

Mr Cece's award-winning limoncello is available at these local bottle shops and restaurants: Bottle-O at Horsley Park, Horsley Park Tavern, Lansvale Hotel, Il Piatto Restaurant at Horsley Park, Rosetti's Cafe at Wetherill Park, L'Olio Ristorante at Smithfield and Siena at Wetherill Park.