Homemade Limoncello Recipe
Creating your own Limoncello recipe at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to capture the essence of Italian tradition in a bottle. Below is our tried-and-true recipe, designed to yield approximately six servings of this delightful liqueur. Note that the following Limoncello cocktail recipe is not a quick cocktail, but rather something that needs to be concocted over time. It's akin to crafting something that requires flavor extraction and attention for a minimum of 1 or even 2 weeks.
Equipment
- 1 Large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid At least 1-liter capacity
- 1 Microplane or fine grater
- 1 Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- 1 Funnel
- 6 Small glass bottles for storing Limoncello
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
- 6 Units 'Sfusato Amalfitano' lemons (or high-quality, organic lemons)
- 1 750ml (Bottle) Vodka (80% proof) High-proof vodka or grain alcohol will work depending on desired outcome
- 1 Cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Preparation: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Zesting: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons, taking care to only remove the outer yellow layer and avoiding the white pith.
- Infusion: Place the lemon zest in the large glass jar and pour the high-proof vodka or grain alcohol over it. Seal the jar tightly.
- Steeping: Allow the mixture to steep in a cool, dark place for at least one week, shaking the jar gently every couple of days.
- Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Combining: Once the alcohol has steeped, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the lemon zest. Combine it with the cooled sugar syrup in a large container.
- Bottling: Use a funnel to pour the finished Limoncello into small glass bottles, sealing them tightly.
- Final Touch: For best results, allow the Limoncello to age for at least another week in a cool, dark place before enjoying.