Homemade Limoncello

Two glasses of liqueur with lemons and a bottle.

4.78 from 9 votes

Limoncello, a delicious Italian liqueur, on the rocks or straight up. The perfect summertime on the patio, after dinner liqueur.

Prep Time20

Cook Time5

Total Time25

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: cups

Calories: 478kcal

Author: Rosemary Molloy

Equipment

Large jar with tight fitting lid
large pot
small bottles or jars for the finished drink

Ingredients

4 medium lemons*
2 cups vodka good quality
2 cups water
1-1½ cups granulated sugar

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Wash and scrub the lemons under hot water, with a vegetable peeler or potato peeler remove the outer peel, remove as much white pith as possible using a paring knife.
In a large glass jar (with a tight closing lid) add the peel and the vodka, close the jar tightly and let sit 12 days in a cool dark place, I find a rarely opened cupboard a good choice. Swirl the ingredients once a day.
After the 12 days, in a medium to large saucepan boil the water and sugar until sugar dissolves, let the mixture cool completely.
Meanwhile strain the vodka/peel mixture through a fine mesh strainer or even cheesecloth. Pour the strained mixture into the cooled sugar and water syrup, and stir well to combine.
Let the Limoncello sit for a day or two at room temperature. Refrigerate or freeze for at least five hours before consuming. Serve straight up or over ice. Enjoy!

Notes

What Are The Best Lemons To Use?

You want to use lemons that are as free of pesticides as possible, either homegrown or organic lemons would be perfect.

What Is Proof Grain Alcohol?

It is a pure grain alcohol that is distilled from a grain-based mash to a very high level of ethanol content. Italians use an alcohol called Alcool 95 which would be the equivalent to Everclear, I don’t like it because I find the alcohol content too strong, I prefer a good quality vodka.

Limoncello 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. I like to place my shot glasses in the freezer too! I like it as cold as possible.

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. It also makes the perfect Christmas gift for any and all Lemon lovers.

How to store it

If your bottle of Limoncello hasn't been opened, it can be stored safely in a dark, cool place or fridge. It will keep for up to 3-6 months. If your bottle has been opened, you should refrigerate it or drink it quickly.

How To Know When Limoncello Has Gone Bad

If it smells bad or tastes bad or even if the taste is too good or too bad it is probably ruined. If there is mold on the cap or around the opening, it is time to throw it out. Limoncello actually doesn't spoil too quickly because most of the lemon oil evaporates during production, so the bacteria can't multiply quickly. You won't have to worry about the limoncello going bad if there are slight changes in temperature or humidity, unless of course you open it yourself.

Nutrition