Homemade Limoncello

Limoncello is a Southern Italian lemon liqueur that is sweet, fruity and fragrant. It is one of Italy’s most popular liqueurs and it’s oftentimes enjoyed chilled or over ice on a warm summer evening. Limoncello is traditionally served after dinner as a digestivo but it also has many other creative uses.

My personal favorite ways to use limoncello is in a lemon drop martini or limoncello spritz! Whether you use it in a cocktail or serve it chilled, this homemade limoncello is sure to impress your dinner guests!

A Few Important Tips:

The type/strength of alcohol you use determines how well your lemon peels infuse so keep that in mind. 190 proof Everclear will result in the best extraction. A basic simple syrup ratio is 1:1 sugar:water. Heat sugar and water over medium low heat until sugar dissolves.

The ABV of the finished limoncello also changes depending on what proof of alcohol you start with. (ABV amounts are approximated)

-Everclear 190 proof – 35% ABV (This is my preferred alcohol for limoncello)

-Everclear 151 proof – 28% ABV

-Everclear 120 proof – 22% ABV

-Vodka 80 proof – 15% ABV

Print Recipe

Homemade Limoncello

Author: domenicskitchen Courses: Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 30

Best Season: Summer, Spring

Description

Limoncello is a Southern Italian lemon liqueur that is sweet, fruity and fragrant. It is one of Italy's most popular liqueurs and it's enjoyed chilled or over ice on a warm summer evening.

Ingredients

Servings

• 4 Large Organic Lemons
• 650 ml Simple Syrup
• 325 ml Grain Alcohol (Everclear)

Instructions

1. Peel Your Lemons

   Peel lemons. (Try to only peel the yellow not the white pith) 

2. Infuse Your Alcohol

   Drop lemon rinds into a mason jar and cover with 325ml grain alcohol (everclear). Let alcohol infuse with lemon peel for 2-4 weeks. Store in a cool, light area.

1. Strain Your Lemon Peels

   Once the alcohol is infused it should turn a deep yellow color. Strain out lemon peels and reserve the infused alcohol.

2. Mix Your Ingredients

   Combine 650ml of simple syrup with your infused alcohol. You can use store-bought simple syrup but it’s very easy to make at home. The simple syrup ratio is 1:1 sugar:water. Stir your mixture until well combined then transfer into bottles.

3. Enjoy!

   Serve chilled, over ice, or in a cocktail. Enjoy!