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Limoncello Recipe

Homemade limoncello close-up on white plate

Limoncello is a refreshing Italian lemon liqueur made by infusing lemon zest in alcohol, perfect as a chilled digestif or cocktail ingredient.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 organic lemons
  • 1 liter high-proof grain alcohol or vodka
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Wash lemons thoroughly and peel the zest carefully, avoiding the white pith.
  2. Place lemon zest in a large glass jar and pour the alcohol over it.
  3. Seal the jar and let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 10 to 14 days, shaking occasionally.
  4. Prepare a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar until sugar dissolves; let it cool.
  5. Strain the lemon zest from the alcohol mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
  6. Mix the infused alcohol with the cooled simple syrup and stir well.
  7. Bottle the limoncello, seal tightly, and chill in the freezer before serving.

Notes

For a sweeter limoncello, increase the sugar by half a cup, and serve chilled or over ice for the best flavor.