Limoncello is a delicious, refreshing booze treat that stirs up memories of sun, sea and summery fun. It’s a gorgeous Italian liqueur that tastes wonderful on its own, chilled or mixed up in a cocktail. What’s even better is you can make your own homemade version. Much more fun and a great personal, homemade gift this Christmas.
So, without further ado, here is a sweet little recipe for delicious Limoncello – a sweet, tart aperitif that would make a delightful homemade gift. Or, if you are super greedy like us, for your booze stash on the cocktail trolley.
Limoncello (makes approx 2 litres)
- 9 Lemons, zest only
- 1 litre vodka
- 500g sugar
- 850ml fresh water
- Clean and sterilise a large kilner-style jar. Set aside.
- Use a sharp peeler to carefully remove the zest off the lemons in long strips – avoid taking off the white pith if you can as that can make it bitter. We want the zest for it’s lemon-y oil goodness. (don’t waste the lemons though, there are lots you can do with the juice!)
- Place the lemon zest in the botton of the sterilised jar and pour the vodka over it.
- Seal the jar and give it a good shake.
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard for at least 2 weeks (up to 8 weeks) shaking the jar every now and then.
- When the vodka is a lovely yellow colour and you can stand it no longer and need a drink… strain the vodka and lemon zest through a clean piece of muslin. Do this twice to get a nice clear liquid.
- Pour back into the kilner jar and set aside.
- Make up the sugar syrup now. Heat the sugar and water in a small milkpan on a high heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring the heat up to a boil and use a sugar thermometer (buy one, they’re so useful!) to ensure a boiling point of 100C for at least 2 minutes. This helps the syrup stabilise.
- Remove from the heat and allow to completely cool. (do not cheat or your limoncello will go cloudy).
- Once the sugar syrup is cold pour into the jar of lemon-y vodka. Stire well.
- Enjoy the limoncello immediately or bottle up as gifts. They can be stored in a cool place.
- Serve chilled.
Enjoy!
P.S. – I bought my little Kilner bottles from Wilkinsons for a couple of quid or you can get a set of six from Ebay. I think they look fab.