Limoncello makes a great DIY holiday gift that everybody on your list will love — but you might want to keep the whole batch for yourself!
You’ll find a step-by-step instructions in the recipe below.
– Prepare the lemon peel: Wash the lemons carefully to remove any dirt or wax. Using a vegetable peeler or fine grater, remove the zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white part.
– Mix the zest and alcohol: Place the lemon zest in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the grain alcohol over the zest. Close the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days to allow the flavors to develop. Shake the jar gently every day.
– Prepare the sugar syrup: After the maceration period, prepare the sugar syrup by boiling the water and adding the sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool completely.
– Mix the sugar syrup and alcohol: Once the sugar syrup has cooled, strain the lemon zest from the grain alcohol using a sieve or cheesecloth. Mix the infused alcohol with the sugar syrup.
– Bottle: Pour the Limoncello into clean, airtight glass bottles. You can also filter the mixture a second time to get a clearer liqueur, if you wish.
– Storing and serving: Let the Limoncello rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Usually it is served very cold, straight from the freezer.
– Drink: Limoncello is a refreshing drink, perfect as a digestif after a meal. Serve it in small chilled glasses for an authentic experience.
Homemade Limoncello is a delicious lemon liqueur with a fresh, sweet taste. You can also adjust the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar syrup you add. Enjoy this traditional homemade Italian drink!
