Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Infusion Time: 14 days
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 15 days
Servings: 30 (about 1 ounce each)
Ingredients
- 10 large organic lemons
- 1 liter high-proof vodka (40–50% alcohol)
- 3½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife
- Large glass jar with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Large saucepan
- Funnel
- Sterilized glass bottles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
Wash the lemons thoroughly under warm water to remove any dirt or wax. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Remove the Zest
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove only the yellow outer peel. Avoid the white pith, as it can make the finished Limoncello bitter.
Step 3: Infuse the Alcohol
Place the lemon peels into a large glass jar and pour the vodka over them. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar gently every day to help extract the citrus oils.
Step 4: Prepare the Syrup
After the infusion period, combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil vigorously. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
Step 5: Strain the Infusion
Strain the infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to remove the lemon peels and any small particles.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
Pour the cooled sugar syrup into the strained lemon-infused alcohol. Stir well until fully combined.
Step 7: Bottle the Limoncello
Using a funnel, pour the finished Limoncello into clean, sterilized glass bottles. Seal tightly.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow the bottled Limoncello to rest for at least one additional week before drinking. This resting period helps the flavors blend into a smoother, richer liqueur.
Recipe Tips
- Organic lemons provide the best flavor because their peels contain more aromatic oils and fewer chemical residues.
- Never include the white pith when peeling the lemons.
- Longer infusion times create a more intense lemon flavor.
- Store bottles in the freezer for an extra-cold serving experience.
- Limoncello also works beautifully in cocktails, desserts, fruit salads, and cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve well chilled in small cordial glasses after dinner. It pairs wonderfully with biscotti, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, lemon cheesecake, or light pastries.
Storage
Store bottled Limoncello in the freezer or refrigerator. Thanks to its alcohol content, it remains pourable and can stay fresh for up to one year.
Nutrition Information (Per 1-ounce Serving)
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Potassium: 5 mg
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 0% Daily Value
- Iron: 0% Daily Value