jar of limoncello.

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Limoncello is a classic after dinner drink known as a digestive. It originated in Southern Italy where lemon trees grow everywhere. It is soooo lemony and very potent. It is meant to be served in a little cordial glass and sipped.

I keep mine in the freezer so it is ice cold (no worries, alcohol doesn’t freeze). It is perfect after a big Italian meal. So, whip up some of my Italian classics like my Veggie Lasagna or some pasta with Pee Wee’s Italian American Sunday Sauce and serve it with my Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Bread. Then pour this Limoncello and watch your guests sigh with delight!!!

To make limoncello is easy and takes only about two weeks to come together.  That is significantly less time than some of my other homemade liqueurs like my Elderberry Liqueur which takes about three months.  (Worth the wait BTW.)

To get started, wash the lemons and dry them with paper towels.

Place the lemon zest in a large airtight glass jar or pitcher with a lid then pour the vodka over them. Let them infuse for 2 weeks in a cool place out of direct sunlight. I will cover the jar with a kitchen towel to be sure that it remains in the dark. SHAKE THE JAR OR PITCHER EVERY DAY to mix the ingredients well without ever opening it.  This ensures all the flavor of the lemons is being transferred to the alcohol.

Make the syrup at the end of the two weeks. Put the water and sugar in a saucepan and and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let this simple syrup cool down completely. Then chill it for a couple of hours.

Pour the lemon infused vodka through a strainer into a pitcher. Discard the lemon zest…it has served it’s purpose.

Once the syrup is cold, add it to the lemon vodka and mix well. The Limoncello is now ready.

I often gift bottles of this around the holidays.  Using a funnel, I’ll pour this liquid gold into decorative bottles, add a bow and tag and give to neighbors and friends.  They love it.

If you like the idea of making your own liqueurs and cordials, be sure to try some of my favorite recipes:

Irish Cream Liqueur

Anisette

Hazelnut Liqueur (my version of Frangelico)

 


Jar of limoncello.

Homemade Limoncello

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 32 – 2 OZ. Servings

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients
  

  • 10 Large lemons (Right off the tree is best)
  • 4 Cups Vodka
  • 3 Cups Water
  • 4 Cups Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lemons then dry them with paper towels.
  • Place the lemon zest in a large airtight glass jar or pitcher with a lid then pour the vodka over them. Let them infuse for 2 weeks in a cool place out of direct sunlight. I will cover the jar with a kitchen towel to be sure that it remains in the dark. SHAKE THE JAR OR PITCHER EVERY DAY to mix the ingredients well without ever opening it. This ensures all the flavor of the lemons is being transferred to the alcohol.
  • Make the syrup at the end of the two weeks. Put the water and sugar in a saucepan and and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let this simple syrup cool down completely. Then chill it for a couple of hours.
  • Pour the lemon infused vodka through a strainer into a pitcher. Discard the lemon zest…it has served it’s purpose.
  • Once the syrup is cold, add it to the lemon vodka and mix well. The Limoncello is now ready. (Are you as excited as I am?)

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Keyword happy hour, Homemade Liqueurs & Cordials
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