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–+ servings
two glasses of limoncello.
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5 from 41 votes

Limoncello Recipe

Three ingredients is all you need to make this classic citrusy liqueur right at home! There are so many ways to serve this refreshing drink. Try it on its own in small glasses, or mix with wine for a limoncello cocktail.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Infusing Time14 days
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 18
Author: Elana Lepkowski

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (about 8 or 9) organic lemons, scrubbed
  • 1 750ml bottle Everclear, or high-proof vodka such as Stoli 100
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Zest the lemons: Wash and dry 2 pounds (about 8 or 9) organic lemons. Use a microplane zester or a sharp vegetable peeler to remove only the yellow zest, avoiding the white pith.
  • Combine the lemon zest and liquor: Combine the lemon peels and 1 (750ml) bottle Everclear or 100-proof vodka in a glass jar. Seal it and store it out of direct sunlight.
  • Infuse the liquor: Gently swirl or shake the mixture every few days for two weeks. If using a lower proof alcohol, continue to infuse the mixture for three weeks. It’s ready when the pieces of zest appear pale and the liquor has taken on a yellow color and a pronounced lemon aroma. It will have a bright, tangy lemon flavor that shines through, prevailing over the taste of the alcohol.
  • Strain: Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, and pour the mixture through it into a bowl. Gently press the solids to extract any extra liquid, then discard them and set the liquid aside.
  • Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and remove from heat. Cool the syrup to room temperature, and then mix it into the strained liquor.
  • Bottle, store, and serve: Using a funnel, pour the Limoncello into swing-top bottles. Seal them and transfer to the freezer for storage. To enjoy, pour 1 1/2 to 2 ounces straight from the freezer into a chilled glass.

Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 41g | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.8g | Protein: 0.6g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2.2mg | Potassium: 70.2mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 12.3g | Vitamin A: 11.1IU | Vitamin C: 26.7mg | Calcium: 13.6mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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