Limoncello, a delicious, easy to make Homemade Italian liqueur. Served over ice or straight up. The perfect summertime on the patio or after dinner liqueur.
If there is one thing I learned it’s that Italians adore Lemons. From adding it to almost every dish they make to making a delicious Homemade Limoncello!
I was given this recipe from the Italian’s aunt. She has been a great bearer of a few recipes on the blog, from Italian Fresh Fruit Salad to How to Freeze Strawberries to this delicious Mushroom Fettuccine.
How to make it
- In a large jar add the peel and vodka, close the jar tightly and let sit 12 days. Swirl the ingredients once a day.
- After the 12 days, boil the water and sugar until sugar dissolves and let cool.
- Meanwhile strain through a sieve the alcohol and the lemon mixture, then add the strained mixture with the cooled sugar and water syrup, mix to combine.
- Let sit for a day or two at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours before consuming. Serve straight up or over ice.
How to consume it
It can be served straight up or over ice. If you serve it straight up be sure to keep it in the fridge or even in the freezer. Italians like to add to a cake recipe such as this Homemade Limoncello Cake or this Creamy Frozen Limoncino why not add a splash or two to a Fresh Fruit Salad?
When to serve Limoncello
In Italy it is served before a meal as an Aperitif or after dinner as a Digestif, always chilled in a shot glass.
How to store it
Be sure to store it in the fridge or freezer, it will keep for up to three months.
More Liqueurs you may enjoy!
Homemade Strawberry Liqueur Two Ways
Homemade Creamy Nutella Liqueur
So if you are looking to make your own Homemade Liqueur, then I hope you give this Limoncello a try and let me know how it goes. Enjoy!
Homemade Limoncello
Ingredients
- 4 medium lemons (remove the peel no white if possible, I used a potato peeler and it worked really well)
- 2 cups vodka (470 grams)
- 2 cups water (470 grams)
- 1-1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (200-300 grams)
Instructions
- In a large jar (that closes tightly) add the peel (no white if possible) and vodka, close the jar tightly and let sit 12 days in a dark cupboard. Swirl the ingredients once a day.
- After the 12 days, boil the water and sugar until sugar dissolves about 5 minutes, let cool completely.
- Meanwhile strain through a sieve the alcohol and lemon mixture, then add the strained mixture with the cooled sugar and water syrup, combine well.
- Let sit for a day or two at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours before consuming. Serve straight up or over ice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Updated from July 4, 2014.
sylvia says
Do you have any recipes to use this recipe? I have a small bottle of Limoncelo.
Rosemary says
Hi Sylvia, yes I do you could make a Limoncello Cake https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/homemade-limoncello-cake/ or a Lemon Tiramisu https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/lemon-tiramisu-cake/, you could use your own cake or lady fingers and wet them with a mixture of limoncello and a little water. Hope that helps.
Mo says
Day 12 today and just made my limoncello…can’t wait to taste it in a day or two!
Just figuring out what to do with the peel…certainly don’t want to waste that vodka infused goodness. Maybe thinly sliced in a lemon loaf would be good??
Rosemary says
Hi Mo, let me know how it goes. In a lemon loaf that would be very good or maybe even a lemonade.
Jessica says
What size jar did you make this in? Also does the jar have to be glass or can it be made of plastic?
Rosemary says
Hi Jessica, well glass is always better when making liqueurs, even use a big screw top glass jar that can hold 5 cups.
voncile says
I’ve had my home made lemoncello in the freezer for over 1 year. Is it still good?
Rosemary says
Hi Voncile, apparently it can last up to 2 years in the freezer. So enjoy. 🙂
Dick Servati says
What size glass for serving?
Rosemary says
Hi Dick, depends if you are drinking it straight up then a liqueur glass or if drinking over ice then I would use a small to medium glass that can hold 2-3 cubes of ice. Hope that helps.