Nothing says Summer like bright, crisp Limoncello. Here’s how to make this refreshing lemon aperitif at home .
After a heavy meal of pasta or a really big salad there is nothing more refreshing than to take light sips of refreshing Limoncello. And imagine how good it would be to pull your own homemade limoncello right form the freezer. I’ll show you how to make it. The hardest part- waiting.

How’s this for simple- vodka, sugar, lemons, water. That’s it.
STEP 1: Grab a large jar with an airtight seal. I used a large BALL jar from the local hardware store. See similar HERE.
Then rinse and peel the lemons. You need to rinse, but not wash with soap which can wash off the oils which we want to make a really flavorful limoncello. By organic lemons if possible.



STEP 2: PEEL the lemons without taking any of the white pith with you. We only want the thin peel. Place all the peel into the large airtight jar and cover with vodka or grain alcohol. Top with the airtight cover. Place a dish towel over the entire thing and place in a cool dark space. Every day, shake the jar a bit to release the oils from the peel.
STEP 3: After three weeks, make a simple syrup with sugar and water. Let the simple syrup cool. Then strain the peels from the vodka through a mesh strainer. The liquid released will be bright yellow. Gorgeous! Add the simple syrup to the vodka. Stir to combine and funnel into washed bottles. Place the bottles into the freezer.

The limoncello is best if you let it rest one more additional week.
I know.
Please- can I have a drink already. If kept in the fridge it will last up to 3 weeks.
You do not need to “percolate” the limoncello for the full three weeks if time is an issue. But try to let the vodka and peels infuse for at least 1 week. The longer you wait, the brighter the color, and the more intense the flavor.

Equipment needed to make Limoncello:
- Airtight Glass Jar
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Bottles with rubber stopper or cork- Buy the ones I used here. This brand comes with a funnel.
- Dish towel
- Vegetable peeler- Buy my favorite brand HERE
How to serve Limoncello
- Serve straight from the freezer
- Pour into very small, sherry style, glasses
- Do not add ice to the limoncello
- Perfect after a heavy and hearty meal
- This makes a perfect Mother’s Day, Wedding party, Bridal shower, or Holiday gift


What do I do with all the Lemon Peel?
Rinse the lemon peels, pour into a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and a few drops of essential oils to make a wonderful glass cleaner. No waste. Or put down your disposal to freshen the scent of your drain.

I think this beautiful golden cocktail would be perfect bottled as wedding favors. Hint, hint. I do have a summer wedding to plan for daughter #3… Hmmm….
