Introduction:
Limoncello is a popular Italian lemon liqueur that is refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s traditionally served chilled as a digestif after meals. Making your limoncello at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of lemon year-round. This recipe uses fresh lemon peels to infuse the alcohol, giving it a strong citrusy essence.
Ingredients:
- 6–8 organic lemons (only the peels)
- 1 liter of high-proof alcohol (like vodka)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Peels: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residue. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peels, avoiding the white pith as much as possible (the pith can make the liqueur bitter).
- Infuse the Alcohol: Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the alcohol over the peels, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 1–2 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to mix the flavors.
- Make the Simple Syrup: After the infusion period, prepare the simple syrup. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Strain and Mix: Once the syrup has cooled, strain the lemon-infused alcohol to remove the peels. Combine the infused alcohol with the simple syrup, stirring well to mix.
- Bottle the Limoncello: Pour the mixture into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal the bottles tightly and let them sit for an additional week to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Store the limoncello in the freezer and serve it ice-cold in small glasses.
Enjoy your homemade limoncello as a refreshing after-dinner drink or use it to add a zesty kick to cocktails!