SALEM — A local limoncello manufacturer is making sure veterans come back to a proper home.

Salem-based Fabrizia Limoncello is donating $5 to Homes for Our Troops from each bottle of limoncello sold through Memorial Day.

Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit agency that collects donations of money, materials, and labor to build houses for disabled veterans and their families.

The money from Fabrizia's fundraiser will help build a home for Marine Sgt. Joshua Bouchard of Granby, Mass.

“It's a lot of fun,” said Phil Mastroianni, co-owner of Fabrizia Limoncello. “We're hoping to raise a lot of money for Josh Bouchard.”

Bouchard lost his left leg, broke his back, and suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009 when his vehicle hit an IED during his second deployment in Afghanistan. After 11 months of therapy he was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he presently lives.

The money raised will help build a home adapted for his needs.

Mastroianni witnessed firsthand what returning veterans face when his roommate, James Duffy, returned from Iraq.

“It was so obvious that I was so fortunate there are people like Jim going into a volunteer Army,” Mastroianni said.

About a year later, Mastroianni opened his company and began selling limoncello. He received a lot of community support when he started his business and wanted to give something back.

Donating a portion of his sales to benefit veterans seemed a natural fit.

His first two annual fundraisers collected about $5,000, currently available for use by a New Hampshire veteran by applying to Homes for Our Troops.

Mastroianni started his business about four years ago after discovering authentic limoncello while visiting family in Italy. The liquor was made from fresh lemons picked in his cousin's yard.

”She inspired me to start making limoncello,” Mastroianni said.

Once home, Mastrioanni decided to try his hand at making the liquor. He refined his recipe until he got the nod of approval from family members, who declared it the best they ever had.

Mastrioanni worked nights and weekends to build the business. After eight months selling in Massachusetts and Rhode Island he received test market approval from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission.

Fabrizia Limoncello is now rated second out of seven brands sold in the state.

Younger brother Nick joined the business last year, taking over production and quality control. About 10 people help part-time.

Their product is sold throughout New England and in Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina.

In the beginning it took 25 hours to make 800 bottles and about four months to sell the batch. The company now produces a batch every five to seven days.

This year Fabrizia Limoncello beat out six other limoncello brands and was awarded the gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Limoncello is made of lemons and pure grain alcohol. Traditionally an after-dinner drink, limoncello is finding its way into martini, margarita and other cocktail recipies as more restaurants add it to their menus.

For Mastrioanni, it's still best enjoyed straight from the freezer and shared with friends.

“It's a great item to bring out when you have company over after a meal,” Mastrioanni said.