How To Make Limoncello

…make Limoncello…
I have fond memories of sipping homemade Limoncello at the home of some dear friends in Rome two summers ago. Crisp, sweet and refreshing. I was intrigued that she’d made it herself.
So when a dear friend, here in California, gave me a large bag of organic lemons off her tree, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try making my own.
An online search found several recipes. I combined several and this is what I came up with. I used more lemons than all the recipes called for because organic lemons have thinner rinds.

Ingredients

15 organic lemons
1-liter bottle of Vodka
2 1/2 cups organic sugar
3 1/2 cups water

Directions

Wash the lemons thoroughly.
Carefully grate just the outer rind with a fine-gauge grater. The white part underneath will make it bitter.
Place peels in a 2-quart container and cover with Vodka
Cover tightly and leave in a cool dark place to steep for 40 days.
Stir the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat for 15 minutes, until sugar is totally dissolved.
Cool completely and add to the Vodka mixture.
Test a sip several times while adding, to get the sweetness you want.
Store in a cool dark place for another 15 days.
Strain the Limoncello through a fine-mesh strainer and then a second time through unbleached coffee filters.
Discard peels and transfer Limoncello to bottles with tight-fitting corks.
Store in refrigerator or freezer and serve ice cold.

The key to testing your Limoncello formula is toĀ sipĀ veryĀ small tastes until you get the Vodka, sugar mixture to your liking. If you sip too much…you get smashed it’s a party!

Hubs came in while I was up to my elbows straining the mixture. He proclaimed it San Francisco moonshine and thought it was probably less expensive to just buy the imported Limoncello made in Italy. Spoiled sport. He could be right, but it is all about creating for me and I like that it is organic. Of course, the Vodka isn’t…but I’m not worried about that part. It was fun and they’ll make lovely hostess gifts this summer with a yellow ribbon tied around the neck of the bottle.

 

 

20 Comments

  1. Oooh, everything looks delicious. I love anything and everything with lemon, particularly Limoncello. I have an Italian friend who makes it in huge batches and is very generous when she pours.

    I have always been more attracted to the tart as opposed to the sweet. I guess that’s the little “tart” in me. Let’s make that “tarte”……sounds much better, doesnt’ it?

    Ciao for now, M-T

  2. I’ve never heard of limoncella but will have to try the next time people at the office bring in their homegrown lemons. Yum, yum, sounds so good and the recipes you found all look delish.

    I used to make a batch of coffee liqueur around the holidays, same idea, and they do make nice gifts.

    1. This is my first foray into homemade liquor but I’ll be trying more. It’s so simple and delicious.

  3. Catherine Robinson says:

    I LOVE lemons…lemon tart is my favourite dessert although I like the look this ice cream recipe šŸ˜‰
    Limoncello always reminds me of Sardinia…I tasted it there first!
    Have a lovely week.
    xx

  4. vintagefrenchchic says:

    I read this post on my Nook the other day…my mouth watered immediately and I shared the recipe with my daughter. She agreed–it sounds so wonderful.

  5. Nothing lovelier or of more pleasure than lemons and lemon desserts! Thank you for the visual treat!

  6. Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou says:

    Mmmmmm sounds delicious … and that came is sending me running from my house out to dinner! I love lemons and they’re so perfect for spring! Thanks for sharing the fabulous recipes and for stopping by the blog last week .. now to see if I can keep from ordering a slice of lemon meringue pie after dinner! hugs! xo ~S

    SANDY M Illustration
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

  7. I was just thinking about busting out the ice cream maker again – I’ll definitely be trying that recipe!

  8. I MISSED YOU!OH, GOOD GRIEF………..I HEARD ONLY GREAT THINGS ABOUT YOU.SEEMS WE ALL LIKE THE SAME KIND OF PANTS!AS FOR THE LIMONCELLO MY HUSBAND MAKES IT WITH PURE ALCOHOL FROM ITALY!I WOULD LIKE TO TRY YOURS WITH VODLKA!I THINK WE SHOULD MEET FOR A TASTE TEST!CAN YOU RING ME TO ARRANGE A DATE?WE ALSO MAKE HOMEMADE PIZZA!SO, COME ON OVER THAT BRIDGE AGAIN AND WE WILL WINE AND DINE YOU………CIAO FOR NOW! SO,SORRY, SO UPSET I MISSED YOUR VISIT!
    ELIZABETH
    925-253-9841

  9. Bourbon & Pearls says:

    ‘San Francisco moonshine’ – he says that like it’s a bad thing! I’m in hysterics at Sulky’s comment. I’m heading to the home of Limoncello in a few weeks and was just wondering how I could bring a bottle back, I don’t think I can, too many plane changes, I’ve far too wimpy to pack alcohol in my suitcase.

  10. I first had Limoncello several years ago on holiday in Sorrento. Thank you for this recipe which I shall definitelly try! Lemon drizzle cake is a favourite of mine and this looks like a wonderful version.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

  11. You had me at 1 liter bottle of Vodka! I love Limoncello and always bring a bottle back from my visits to Italy. It’s deliciously refreshing. I prefer the home-made hooch that some restaurants make to the more commercial ones. So, I’m sure I’d be giving your Limoncello the paws up!

    1. LOL Sulky. It’s pretty good…I’ve been sampling JUST to be sure its good enough before instant “gifting” it out.

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