Recipe

Homemade Limoncello

Recipe Information

Total Time: 

4 days

Servings: 

6

Limoncello is a lovely yellow liqueur, beautiful in cocktails and delicious in baked goods and sauces. It's really easy to make, too, and if you are looking for a homemade gift to give, try bottling it and making a pretty label.

Ingredients

  • 12 medium lemons
  • 1 750 milliliter bottle vodka
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar

Preparation

  1. Wash and sanitize a quart-sized canning jar or other glass container with a lid. Wash the lemons and let dry.
  2. Using a paring knife or metal peeler, strip off the yellow part of the lemon peels, leaving behind the white pith. Pack the peels in the jar, then pour in the vodka. Cover tightly and let stand at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 4 days, or up to one month, to intensify the lemony flavor. When the vodka has turned a vibrant yellow, it is ready.
  3. In a medium pan, combine the water and organic sugar and bring to a boil over medium high heat, reduce to medium and stir. When the sugar is all dissolved, take off the heat and let cool to room temperature. Stir in the vodka and peels, let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
  4. Strain the limoncello into two sanitized quart jars, pressing gently on the lemon zest to extract the vodka. If desired, pour into jars or bottles for gift giving.
  5. For long-term storage, store in the freezer.

Nutritional Information

653 calories, 0 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 2 mg. sodium, 99 g. carbohydrate, 0 g. fiber, 0 g. protein