How to Make Limoncello 🍋 Italian recipe | Original recipe using Vodka
Indulge in the quintessential taste of Italy with our authentic Limoncello recipe. This time-honored recipe is Crafted with care and attention to tradition. Made using just 4 ingredients: Sun-kissed lemons, liqueur, water, sugar, and of course, the spirit of Italian hospitality. With vibrant flavors, this citrus delight is perfect for enjoying after any hearty meal as a digestif, or as a refreshing tipple any time!
Equipment
- Small scrubbing brush or steel wool
- Microplane zester or veg peeler
- Large jar with a lid
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen cloth and elastic band
- Fine strainer, cheesecloth, or strainer bag
- Pegs (optional)
- Saucepan or pot (for the sugar syrup)
- Funnel
- Swing top bottles
Ingredients
- 10 organic medium-sized lemons zest only
- 1 bottle of Vodka around 25 oz/700 ml
- 1.5 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
Step 1- Scrub clean lemons
- Use a small scrubbing brush or a piece of steel wool to clean the skins of the lemons. Rinse in fresh water.10 organic medium-sized lemons
Step 2 - Zest lemons
- Use a microplane (or veg peeler) to remove the zest from the lemons. Be careful to only remove the yellow skin of the lemon as the white pith will make your limoncello bitter.
Step 3 - Combine lemon zest and liquor
- In a large jar, combine the lemon zest and vodka. Mix with a wooden spoon then loosely screw the lid on and cover the jar with a kitchen cloth and hold the cloth with a rubber band. Store in a dark place.1 bottle of Vodka
Step 4 - Agitate mixture and wait
- Swirl every day for 2-4 weeks and it’s ready when it’s a bright lemony yellow.
Step 5 - Strain lemon zest
- Use a fine strainer or some cheesecloth to strain the zest from the liquor. Clean the jar and transfer the liquor back into the jar.
Step 6 - Make the sugar syrup and mix
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. When the sugar syrup has cooled to room temperature add to the jar. Mix well and decant into bottles (swing top work best). Store in the freezer and make sure it’s been there for at least 4 hours before sampling!1.5 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of water
Step 7 - Serve
- Serve in a chilled glass straight from the freezer. You can also store limoncello in the fridge if you prefer and serve chilled rather than extra cold.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:Â
- The length of time needed to make the Limoncello will vary depending on the lemons used and the proof of your liquor. Different countries have their own standards for a spirit’s proof so it might be easier to go by alcohol percentage.. For 90% alcohol vodka, allow two weeks minimum. For standard 40% vodka: allow 3-4 weeks for best results. Once you hit the 2-week mark, just keep checking the color every day when you give your jar a shake.
- It’s important to use organic lemons in this recipe because your regular lemons usually come with a waxy coating on them and since you only use the peel in this recipe it’s important to get the best flavored and healthiest peel. Of course, you should still reserve the lemons to use their juice in another recipe or in tea or water.Â
- Should you see any signs of discoloration or fuzzy mold growing on the surface, discard the mixture and sanitize the bottles before starting again.