Homemade Limoncello Recipe: A Taste of Italy
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we're diving into the delightful world of homemade Limoncello, a classic Italian liqueur. This is the most genuine recipe you’ll ever come across as it comes straight from the source. This recipe was given to us by a local woman who’s friend was born and bred in the Amalfi (home of Limoncello). The recipe originally was given to us hand-written in Italian in very hard-to-read handwriting. Since then we’ve done multiple test batches and can proudly verify that THIS recipe is the real deal. Try it at home, or better yet - come to our Estate in Umbria, Italy and sip on our homemade limoncello using our very own Estate lemons!
Known for its vibrant lemon flavor and refreshing taste, Limoncello is perfect for sipping after a meal or mixing into cocktails. Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own batch of this sunny, citrusy spirit.
The original recipe given to us by a local friend, Gina.
Ingredients
To make Limoncello, you will need the following ingredients:
6-10 large lemons - skins only
preferably organic (make sure the skins are edible)
if lemons aren’t very large, use closer to 10 or even 12
1 liter of pure 90/100 proof alcohol
1.5 liters (6.34 cups) of water
850 grams (4.231 cups) of granulated sugar
Equipment
Ensure you have these items on hand:
A large glass jar (at least 2.5 L / 0.66 gallons) with a tight-fitting lid
Vegetable peeler
A strainer or cheesecloth
A large pot
Bottles for storing the Limoncello
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemons
Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly to remove any pesticides or wax.
Peel the lemons using a vegetable peeler, avoiding the white pith as much as possible. The pith can add bitterness to your Limoncello.
Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar.
2. Infuse the Alcohol
Pour the 100 proof alcohol over the lemon peels in the jar.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days.
AFTER ONE WEEK - CONTINUE TO STEPS 3, 4, & 5.
3. Make the Simple Syrup
Combine the water and sugar in a large pot.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Let it cool completely (very important!)
4. Combine and Strain
Strain the lemon peel/alcohol mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove the lemon peels.
Pour the completely cooled simple syrup into the jar with the lemon-infused alcohol.
Let the simple syrup and alcohol mixture sit in a cool dark place for another 7 days.
5. Bottle the Limoncello
Transfer the Limoncello into clean bottles using a funnel.
Seal the bottles tightly and pop a bottle in the freezer.
Wait until limoncello is completely cold to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Your homemade Limoncello is now ready to enjoy! Here are a few ways to serve it:
Chilled: Serve Limoncello straight from the freezer in small, chilled glasses.
Cocktails: Mix with sparkling water or prosecco for a refreshing spritz.
Desserts: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or use it in baking for a zesty kick.
Storing Limoncello
Keep your Limoncello in the freezer or refrigerator. It will last for several months, though we bet it won't last that long once you start enjoying it!
Buon Limoncello a tutti!
Enjoy your homemade Limoncello and share your results and variations in the comments below. Salute!
