Homemade Limoncello, a lemon flavored liquor, is easy to make at home; though does require a bit of resting time. It also makes a nice hostess gift during the holidays.
As I mentioned a few months ago, we visited a farm in Sorrento, Italy this past summer where they made their own mozzarella. Not only did they make their own cheese, but they also made their own Limoncello.
In fact, according to my husband, it was the best he's ever tasted. So we brought home two bottles of it and now...it's gone.
Since our trip, I purchased three different kinds of limoncello at our local liquor store and even though they were all made in Sorrento, none of them tasted like the kind we bought from La Sorgente Farm. I even tried to see if they had a website, but apparently, we're not alone.
I found out through some comments on Trip Advisor that they don't publicize their products to keep demand low. I guess shipping some to NJ would be out of the question. So, I did the next best thing...I made some myself!
How do you make Homemade Limoncello?
I did a little research online and they all called for the same four ingredients: Grain alcohol or good quality Vodka, lemons, sugar and water.
In a glass bottle or jar that can be sealed airtight, add 1 cup of the grain alcohol or vodka and the lemon zest. Seal the bottle/jar and let sit for 7 days.
On the seventh day, make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add the water and sugar. Whisk together until all of the sugar has dissolved.
Remove from heat and let cool.Once cooled, add the syrup to the alcohol and lemon mixture and add the remaining 1 cup of alcohol. Seal the bottle/jar once again and let it sit for another 5 days.
Making homemade Limoncello is REALLY easy to make but you have to be patient because it needs some time to ferment. The end product was a hit and even better when you keep it in the freezer.
Now I can cook with as much Limoncello as I want (YEAH!) because I can just make more! BTW, if you haven't followed me for a while, I LOVE to cook with Limoncello. Some of my favorite recipes include Linguine with Limoncello Asiago Cream Sauce, No Bake Limoncello Pie, and this one we really like in the warm Summer months.
Homemade Limoncello would also make a nice, unique gift for that special someone on your list who has everything during the holidays. I saved my bottle from Sorrento; however, you can find decorative cork bottles on Amazon or in your local craft store.
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Homemade Limoncello
Ingredients
- 2 c. Grain Alcohol or Good Quality Vodka
- 2 Lemons, zest only
- 1 ¼ c. Water
- 1 c. Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- In a glass bottle or jar that can be sealed airtight, add 1 cup of the grain alcohol or vodka and the lemon zest. Seal the bottle/jar and let sit for 7 days.
- On the seventh day, make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add the water and sugar. Whisk together until all of the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, add the syrup to the alcohol and lemon mixture and add the remaining 1 cup of alcohol . Seal the bottle/jar once again and let it sit for another 5 days.
- Strain out the lemon zest with a small strainer or cheesecloth. Add the mixture to a decorative bottle.
Notes
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CHERYL says
Is Everclear considered grain liquor? I would love to try this recipe since it is not a large amount.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Yes Everclear is grain. You can use that if a good quality vodka. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
Where did you get the bottles?
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Those bottles I got at La Sorgente in Sorrento, Italy where I originally purchased the Limoncello
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Just linked this up to Foodie Friday over at Baking Bad
http://bakingbad.com/?p=1003
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thanks Krista, same to you!
Krista says
Oh wow! How lovely. What a great idea for this time of year! The perfect hostess gift. Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Have a blessed week, and Merry Christmas!
Everyday Mom's Meals
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Just linked this recipe up to Everyday Mom's Meals Church Supper
http://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2011/12/church-supper-20.html
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thanks Love for food! It was beautiful and wished I could spend longer than a few hours there.
Loveforfood says
wow! sorrento--- is so so beautiful .i wish to go there one day..
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
You're welcome Bridgett! @Jenn~I have some waiting for you in the freezer 😉
Jenn says
Oooh baby!! Can't wait to try it!!!
Bridgett Nicolace-Bird says
i love limoncello! now that i know how easy it is to make, i am definitely going to try! thanks for sharing!