Homemade limoncello is a bright, citrusy Italian liqueur that you can easily make at home with just a handful of ingredients. It’s sweet, strong, and packed with intense lemon flavor, perfect for sipping ice cold after dinner or mixing into a spritz.
If you’ve ever had limoncello on a trip to Italy, you know how refreshing it is. Making it yourself means you can control the sweetness and strength, and it’s a great way to use up extra lemons. Plus, it makes a really thoughtful homemade gift.
Helpful Tips
- Use organic lemons: Since you’re using the peels, it’s best to go with organic lemons to avoid any wax or pesticides.
- Peel carefully: Use a vegetable peeler to remove just the yellow part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the flavor.
- Let it infuse: The longer you let the lemon peels infuse in alcohol, the better. Aim for at least a week, but two weeks or more will give you a deeper lemon flavor.
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Homemade Limoncello
Homemade limoncello is a bright, citrusy Italian liqueur that you can easily make at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 10 organic lemons
- 750 ml bottle of 100-proof vodka or grain alcohol
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lemons. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the yellow peel, avoiding the white pith. Place the peels in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the vodka over the lemon peels, seal the jar, and store it in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help the infusion along.
- When ready to finish, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the syrup cool.
- Strain the lemon peels from the vodka and discard them. Combine the infused vodka with the cooled syrup. Stir to combine.
- Pour the limoncello into clean bottles and seal. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- It’s best to allow the limoncello to rest for 1-2 weeks before serving.
- Storage Tip: Keep it in the freezer for the best flavor and texture. It’ll stay good for months.
Nutrition
Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.004gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.