Homemade Limoncello Fresh Lemons (Printer View)

A bright, citrus-infused Italian liqueur made from fresh lemon zest and alcohol for a lively, aromatic finish.

# What you'll need:

→ Citrus

01 - 8 large unwaxed organic lemons

→ Alcohol

02 - 25 fl oz 95% pure grain alcohol or 100-proof vodka

→ Syrup

03 - 20 fl oz water
04 - 14 oz granulated sugar

# Method:

01 - Wash lemons thoroughly under hot water, scrubbing to remove any residue or wax coating. Pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the yellow zest from lemons in thin strips, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
03 - Place lemon zest in a large clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Pour the alcohol over the zest, ensuring it is completely submerged. Seal tightly.
04 - Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 10 to 30 days. Gently shake every 2 days. Longer infusion times develop stronger lemon flavor.
05 - In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
06 - Pour the lemon-infused alcohol through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the zest solids.
07 - Mix the strained lemon-infused alcohol with the cooled syrup, stirring thoroughly to incorporate evenly.
08 - Transfer limoncello into sterilized bottles with airtight seals. Store in a cool place and allow to rest for at least 7 days before serving for optimal flavor development.
09 - Chill limoncello in the freezer until very cold. Serve in small glasses straight from the freezer as a digestif.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Only three simple ingredients needed for authentic Italian flavor
  • Makes an impressive homemade gift that friends and family will treasure
  • Stores beautifully for months, improving with age
  • Vegan and gluten-free, perfect for almost any dietary preference
  • The process is mostly passive – time does all the work for you
02 -
  • Always use organic, unwaxed lemons to avoid pesticides and wax in your liqueur
  • Sterilize all bottles and jars before use to ensure your limoncello stays fresh for months
  • The finished limoncello improves with age – try to wait at least a week after bottling before tasting
  • Label your bottles with the date made – limoncello keeps for up to a year in the freezer
  • Save the zested lemons for juicing – don't let them go to waste
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