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
4 Ingredient Limoncello- Homemade Summer in a bottle
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
Bottles30
minutes3
minutes70
kcalIngredients
1 liter vodka or grain alcohol
10 organic lemons
2 cups granulated sugar
1 liter water
Directions
- With a sharp vegetable peeler, peel the yellow rind from each of the lemons taking care not to remove the bitter pith (white part). Place the peels in a large gallon size jar with an airtight lid. Pour a liter of grain alcohol or vodka over the lemons. Cover tightly with the air tight lid. Wrap with a dish towel and place in a cool dark area. Shake the jar every day for three weeks to help the peel infuse with the alcohol.
- After three weeks: make a simple syrup with the 2 cups of sugar and liter of water. Bring the water to a simmer, add the sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let cool.
- Strain the lemon peel from the alcohol over a fine mesh strainer saving the delicious yellow liquid. Pour the simple syrup into the lemon infused alcohol. Funnel into sterilized bottles and seal with a rubber or cork top. Chill for an additional week or place into a freezer.
- The Limoncello is ready to drink. Serve directly form the freezer pouring onto small glasses.
- This make 4 bottles of Limoncello
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….
