A Taste of Sunshine in a Bottle
homemade limoncello
There’s something truly special about making your own limoncello—capturing the bright, zesty flavours of fresh lemons and bottling up a bit of sunshine.
This traditional Italian liqueur is known for its refreshing and sweet citrus taste, making it the perfect after-dinner sip or a versatile ingredient in cocktails and desserts. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing compares to the homemade touch of a carefully crafted batch. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delightful liqueur to share with friends or enjoy as a refreshing treat after a meal.
So, gather some fresh lemons and get ready to create a taste of the Amalfi Coast right in your own kitchen!
Homemade Limoncello Recipe
Ingredients
10 lemons (preferably organic)
1 litre of vodka (or grain alcohol if available)
3 cups of water
2 cups of white sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residues. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the lemons to get just the yellow zest—avoid the white pith as it can make the limoncello bitter.
Infuse the Vodka: Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour in the vodka, ensuring the lemon peels are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks (up to a month for a stronger flavour). Give it a gentle shake every few days to help release the oils from the zest.
Make the Syrup: After the infusion period, prepare the sugar syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
Combine and Strain: Once the syrup is cool, strain the lemon-infused vodka through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon peels. Pour the strained liquid into a large bottle or jar, then add the cooled sugar syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Bottle and Store: Transfer the limoncello into clean, sealable bottles. Store it in the freezer for at least a week before serving to allow the flavours to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Limoncello is best enjoyed ice-cold as a digestive after a meal. You can also use it in cocktails or drizzle it over desserts like ice cream or fresh berries for a citrusy twist.
