Limoncello di Limoni Amalfitani
Limoncello is a staple of after-dinner liquors in parts of Italy. Done right, limoncello is smooth, sweet, and intensely infused with lemon. Its subtle yellow glow and bright perfume instantly transport you to the South of Italy, where it originated. At home, I like to keep a bottle in my freezer to share with friends. The high alcohol content prevents it from freezing through, creating a slushy – almost granita-like post-dinner digestive perfect for hot summer days.
Family recipes may differ, but the process is the same. Soak lemon peels in grain alcohol, sweeten with simple syrup, and serve chilled. Feel free to change the amounts based on your palette. Amalfi lemons (known as sfusato Amalfitano) are commonly used in Italy for their intense aroma and flavor. But, I get it well all don’t have access to Italian lemons. So, if they aren’t available, Meyer lemons or regular lemons will work, too. Just be sure to go organic.
A few tips for making limoncello
Homemade limoncello isn’t hard. It just requires a bit of patience and a bottle of grain alcohol.
- Use organic, untreated lemons (Amalfi, Meyer, regular).
- If you can’t find untreated lemons, wash and scrub the lemons.
- Use grain alcohol over vodka for a better extraction.
- Don’t rush the process – let the infusion sit for a full 30 days.
- Thoroughly cool the simple syrup before adding it to the limoncello.
- Start with half to three-fourths of the total simple syrup and then sweeten to taste.
Traditionally, this Italian liquor is served right from the freezer, but it would work equally well in a spritz with Prosecco and soda water or any gin-based cocktail. For something less boozy, pair with this gluten-free almond cake made with whole lemons and served with limoncello macerated berries.
More lemon recipes
Kitchen notes
- Use only organic, untreated lemons since the alcohol extracts everything from the citrus.
- Due to the high alcohol content, limoncello will keep sealed in the refrigerator for about six months and over a year in the freezer.
- Try different combinations of organic citrus zest like lemons, Meyer, mandarins, Buddha’s hand, or bitter oranges.
Limoncello di Limoni Amalfitani
Ingredients
- 10 organic, untreated lemons, washed and dried
- 1 liter 1000 g grain alcohol, 190 proof
- 3 ½ cups 700 g granulated sugar
- 1 liter 1000 g filtered water
Instructions
- Using a vegetable peeler, remove the yellow peel from the lemons in long strips. Scrape away the bitter white pith from the lemon peel with a paring knife.
- Combine the lemon peels and grain alcohol in a large, sealable glass jar (at least 3 liters). Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature in a dark place for 30 days.
- One day 30, make the simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Let the syrup fully cool, then add it to the limoncello. Reseal the jar and let sit in a dark place at room temperature for an additional week. Strain the mixture into smaller bottles and store in the freezer.
Notes
- Use only organic, untreated lemons since the alcohol extracts everything from the citrus.
- Due to the high alcohol content, limoncello will keep sealed in the refrigerator for about six months and over a year in the freezer.
- Try different combinations of organic citrus zest like lemons, Meyer, mandarins, Buddha’s hand, or bitter oranges.
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