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Authentic Italian Limoncello - A Traditional Recipe

This Authentic Italian Limoncello recipe captures the essence of Italy with a month-long infusion of lemon peels in Everclear, resulting in a vibrant, citrus-forward liqueur. The recipe offers the option to sweeten with honey for a unique twist or with sugar for a more traditional approach. Ideal for after-dinner drinks or as a special homemade gift, this limoncello will impress friends and family with its refreshing flavor and simplicity. Once bottled, store in the freezer and serve chilled for the best experience.

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Updated on Friday 22 November 2024
Authentic Italian Limoncello
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Authentic Italian Limoncello | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Bring a taste of Italy into your home with this Authentic Italian Limoncello recipe! This classic lemon liqueur is made by infusing lemon peels in high-proof alcohol for a month, resulting in a bright and refreshing drink with a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness. Follow along to create a traditional Italian treat perfect for gifting or savoring after dinner.

INGREDIENTS

  • Lemons: 10 fresh, high-quality lemons. These will provide the essential zest and juice, delivering vibrant citrus flavors to the limoncello.
  • Everclear (or high-proof alcohol): 1 liter. Everclear is used for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content, ideal for extracting the lemon oils and aromas.
  • Organic Honey (or Sugar): 1 ½ cups of honey or 2 cups of sugar. Honey offers a unique, rich sweetness that creates a darker color, while sugar yields a lighter, traditional limoncello.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Clean the Lemons
If the lemons are wax-coated, scrub them with hot water, a mild abrasive, and a bit of soap to remove the wax. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Peel the Lemons
Carefully peel the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith under the zest. Aim for thin, yellow strips of peel that will infuse the alcohol with a bright citrus flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Infusion
Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar, then cut each lemon in half. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the jar, making sure no seeds are included.
Step 4: Add Alcohol
Pour the entire bottle of Everclear (or high-proof alcohol) over the lemon peels and juice. Seal the jar tightly and shake to mix.
Step 5: Infuse for 1 Month
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 4 weeks, shaking the jar daily to help release the flavors from the lemon peels into the alcohol.
Step 6: Strain and Sweeten
After a month, strain the lemon mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean jar to remove the peels. Add honey or sugar, depending on your preference, and stir until dissolved.
Step 7: Let the Sweetened Mixture Sit
Seal the jar and let it sit for an additional week, allowing the flavors to meld together for a smoother taste.
Step 8: Bottle and Freeze
Transfer the limoncello into smaller bottles for easy storage and move them to the freezer. Chill for at least 1-2 days before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve limoncello ice-cold from the freezer for a smooth and refreshing taste; its high-alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid.
  • Limoncello is traditionally enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif, perfect for sipping and savoring.
  • Store in the freezer for optimal flavor and shelf-life, and keep it in small bottles for easy pouring.
  • This homemade limoncello also makes a wonderful gift, especially when poured into decorative bottles and labeled.

Helpful Notes

  • Choose high-quality lemons for the best flavor. Meyer lemons are a good choice if available, as they have a sweeter, less acidic taste.
  • If you prefer a less sweet limoncello, reduce the amount of honey or sugar to suit your taste.
  • Always use a high-proof, neutral alcohol like Everclear to effectively extract the essential oils from the lemon peels.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends gently peeling the lemons to avoid the bitter pith, which can alter the flavor.
  • Chef Mario Batali suggests infusing limoncello for at least four weeks for a full-bodied flavor and shaking daily for an even extraction.
  • Chef Lidia Bastianich advises using organic lemons when possible, as their peels are free of pesticides and wax.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This limoncello recipe captures the true essence of Italy, with a fresh and vibrant flavor that’s ideal for summer evenings.
  • With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it's a beautiful homemade treat that adds a special touch to any occasion.
  • The option to use honey provides a unique twist, creating a rich, golden color and a warm, natural sweetness.

Variations

  • Try substituting honey with agave syrup for a slightly different flavor profile, or use a flavored honey for added depth.
  • Infuse the limoncello with additional herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique herbal twist.
  • Add a small amount of vanilla extract to the finished product for a smooth, mellow note that complements the lemon flavor.

Homemade Liqueur

Make authentic Italian Limoncello with fresh lemon peels, Everclear, and a hint of honey or sugar. Perfect as an after-dinner drink or a special homemade gift.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 1 liter

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Lemons: 10, for zesting and juicing.
02 Everclear (or high-proof alcohol): 1 liter.
03 Organic Honey: 1 ½ cups (or substitute with 2 cups of sugar).

Instructions

Step 01

If the lemons have a wax coating, scrub them with hot water, a mild abrasive, and a bit of soap to remove it.

Step 02

Carefully peel the lemons, avoiding the white pith underneath to ensure a smooth flavor. The peel should be yellow on both sides.

Step 03

Place the lemon peels in a large jar, then cut the peeled lemons in half and juice them, making sure no seeds get into the jar.

Step 04

Pour the bottle of Everclear over the lemon peels and juice in the jar, seal tightly, and shake well to mix.

Step 05

Let the mixture sit for one month (4 weeks), shaking the jar daily.

Step 06

After a month, place cheesecloth over a new jar and pour the limoncello mixture through it to strain out the lemon rinds.

Step 07

Add honey (or sugar) to the strained limoncello, seal, and shake well to combine. Let it sit for another week.

Step 08

After a week, transfer the limoncello into smaller bottles and store in the freezer for at least 1-2 days before serving chilled.

Notes

  1. Authentic homemade Italian Limoncello, perfect for a refreshing after-dinner drink or as a unique homemade gift.
  2. Adding honey gives the limoncello a unique color and natural sweetness, while sugar provides a more traditional taste.
  3. Store in the freezer, where the high alcohol content prevents it from freezing and keeps it ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
  • Protein: ~