When your father-in-law shouts down from the lemon trees in his garden “sai come si fa il limoncello?” the only answer is “ma certo!” Organic lemons were picked, paper bags were stuffed to the point of overflow and our car was filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly grated zest for the ride from Naples to our home in Rome. Thus began my quest to make limoncello with the help of Francesco, the expert fruit peeler, slicer and dicer who also happens to be a good judge of the citrusy beverage. Limoncello falls in the camp of digestivi. Intended to help with digestion, limoncello is often offered in restaurants at the end of a meal. My memory was tainted with unsavory recollections of a commercial super sweet and syrupy liqueur until tasting home made versions like this one. I hope that after reading this simple recipe you’ll venture to make your own limoncello soon.
Ingredients
- 10 organic lemons
- 1 liter of 90 – 95% good quality clear alcohol or vodka
- 2.5 cups sugar
- 3.5 cups water
Wash the lemons well and pat dry. Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons taking care to trim away the white pith. Place the lemon peels in a container. Pour the alcohol over the peels and seal the container. Steep the lemon peels in the alcohol for two weeks at room temperature.
Mix the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool the sugar syrup completely. Pour over the lemon peel-alcohol mixture. Mix well and let rest for approximately one week.
Strain the limoncello through a strainer and discard the peels. Pour the limoncello into bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold.
Share with friends and family after lunch or dinner. We like to serve it on its own or with sweet almond biscotti.
I was going to buy some from my liquor store this weekend but I think now I will make it myself. My mouth is watering.
How do you usually drink it? Do you mix it with anything? Just pour over ice?
Hi Lori, I like to chill it in the freezer before serving. I hope you enjoy making your own limoncello as much as I did.
Excellent recipe! I had thought I didn’t like limoncello but, like you, I had only tried the commercial syrupy sweet kind. Not until I tried homemade did I change my mind. Thanks for the information so that I can now make it at home! Grazie!
you’re welcome. Let me know if you like the homemade version!
How timely! We are visiting friends in Sorrento on our upcoming trip & I plan to acquire Amalfi lemons for this very purpose!
Destiny! I have no doubts that you and Don will love making your own limoncello.