Homemade Italian Limoncello

Limoncello is a lovely liqueur made from lemon peels, alcohol and sugar. It is strong but fabulously delicious and it’s bright yellow color makes it the most cheerful drink you may ever have too :) It is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestive and It originates from Southern Italy, especially the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts and Capri. Like so many Italian recipes, who first created it is argument worthy. >>Here<< is a short article from Italy Magazine on who invented this fantastic lemony beverage :)

I wanted to share this recipe not just because I think it’s a beautiful thing to have around ALL the time, but because it makes a sweet and thoughtful gift too. A lovely bottle of this with a homemade label would make anyone smile!! I hope you make it, sip on it, enjoy it, and share it! Limoncello is delightful and so Italian….AND it has a very special place in my heart.

THE RECIPE

  • 1 - 750 ml bottle of Everclear or 100 proof vodka (not the standard 40%/80 proof)

  • 10 medium organic lemons

  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar*

  • 5 cups Water - see note below

    THe PREPARATION

    1. Peel the lemons taking care to peel off only the yellow and not the white pith. I use a coring knife but you could also use a vegetable peeler. Add the peels to a large glass jar or container with a tight fitting lid. A gallon jar works well.

    2. Pour the alcohol over the lemon peels and close the lid tight. Place the jar in a cool dark place for 2 - 3 weeks.

    3. When the mixture has sat for it’s time and is ready to use, put together a simple syrup using the water and sugar.

    4. Add the water and sugar to a saucepan and bring to a simmer (do not boil), stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Cool.

    5. Strain the lemon peels from the alcohol using a cheesecloth. Discard the lemon peels or eat if you’d like.

    6. Mix the simple syrup (see note below) and lemon infused alcohol together. At this point the limoncello can be bottled as desired and enjoyed immediately, or you can let it sit for another 2 weeks to let the flavors refine.

    Limoncello is best served chilled and in gorgeous little glasses :)

*If you use organic sugar in this recipe it could come out cloudier and have a darker tint to it because the organic sugar will make a syrup with a darker hue since it isn’t bleached. I only use organic sugar and I’m not worried if it isn’t crystal clear but it is good to know about if you are looking to make the clearest limoncello possible :) There was no significant difference in the taste.

If the Limoncello is cloudy (not like above with the organic sugar) it can be run through the cheesecloth again. It is perfectly normal. I have had batches like the one pictured in this post and then batches that are not as clear. The last batch I made actually came out looking like the limoncello that has cream in it. Not clear at all…haha! No matter what it looks like it is always beautiful and delicious!

Note - The last batch I made of this I put together the simply syrup and then ended up not adding the last cup because I was happy with the taste. This recipe can be adjusted to your liking by adding more of less of the syrup. You can also add more sugar when making the syrup if you find you like it sweeter.

Limoncello cocktail Recipes

Limoncello is perfect by itself but it is also delicious added to cocktails. Here are just a couple ideas :)

Limoncello Spritz

  • 2 oz Limoncello

  • 3 oz Prosecco

  • 1 oz soda water

  • Lemon slice for garnish

    1. Add ice to a glass of your choice.

    2. Add the limoncello, followed by the prosecco and club soda, stir gently to combine.

    3. Add lemon garnish, if desired and serve immediately

    Serves 1

Limoncello Arnold Palmer

  • 1 cup iced tea

  • 1/2 cup limonata or sparkling lemonade

  • 1/2 cup Limoncello

  1. Add ice to glasses of your choice

  2. Mix the 3 ingredients together and pour over into the ice filled glasses.

  3. Garnish with lemon if desired

    Serves 2

Limoncello Vodka Collins

  • 1½ cups good vodka, such as Grey Goose

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (6 lemons)

  • 6 tablespoons simple syrup

  • ¼ cup Italian Limoncello liqueur

  • 1½ cups cold club soda, such as Pellegrino

  • Ice cubes

  • Sliced lemon, for serving

Combine the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Limoncello in a large pitcher.  Just before serving, pour in the club soda and stir.  Fill highball glasses with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.  Garnish each drink with a slice of lemon and serve cold. Serves 4-6

Limoncello Vodka Collins Recipe from The Barfoot Contessa

Please don’t forget to like this recipe, comment below and share with your friends :) Grazie!!

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