All you need is lemons, grain alcohol, sugar, water and lots of time! White sugar (avoid using natural sugars as they impart a caramel-y taste to the batch). All rights reserved. Plastic bottles work too. Let the sugar syrup cool down, then pour the alcohol into the jug and add another 300 cl of alcohol. When I made my first batch of limoncello, I made my own gift tags from card stock. Even though its served in a shot glass, limoncello is meant to be sipped. Size: 2 1/8" x 2 3/4", DII Set of 2 Lemon Themed Dishtowels with Petite Stripe, CERAMICHE D'ARTE PARRINI - Italian Ceramic Pottery Set Tray + Bottle + 6 Cups Limoncello Liqueur Shot Glasses Decorated Lemons Hand Painted Made in ITALY Tuscan, Stolzle 3 Ounce Classic Lead-Free Crystal Grappa Glass, Set of 6. 2. I wish Id seen them on Amazon first. Limoncello originated in Italy, specifically in the Amalfi coast, in the Campania region. Make enough simple syrup for the amount of alcohol you are making. It was hard to comprehend that a lemon could grow that big. Restaurants will generally offer it to patrons gratis (for free) since it's typically made in-house. They type of grade you find will depend on where you live. Bottle, chill and enjoy! Taste again to adjust flavor. Many people may not know this but sfumato dAmalfi lemons were not indigenous to the Amalfi Coast. It could have been the alcoholic-lemon beverages, the ocean breeze, or the gorgeous views, but it was more about my dad. Fill glass bottles with limoncello. I wrote this recipe card for one serving so that you can easily multiply it for any number of servings. And if you are planning to visit, bookmark this authentic limoncello recipe for future reference because you're going to want to learn to make it for when you're dreaming of Italy when you get home! From limoncello to lemon beer, limoncello spritz, and more. It is made with two main ingredients limoncello and Prosecco. If you've visited Naples, Sorrento, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast, chances are you've already had it. a spoon to squeeze out all the juice from the strainer. Limoncello and arancello, however, are still my favorites bursting with fresh citrus flavors. Nice recipe. is an Italian-American blog covering Italian culture, news, recipes, and more! Add the grain alcohol to the jar (photo 3), Store the jar in a cool dark place out of direct light (like a closet). Learn how your comment data is processed. Juice them, pour the juice into ice cube trays, and freeze. If your grain alcohol comes in a 750mL bottle, you can adjust the proportions of the lemons/water/sugar to account for the less alcohol: 9 lemons, 1.1L water, 2.5 cups sugar. Mix lemon peels with vodka in a jar/jug (preferably 1-quart). Of course, the menu was full of lemon inspired drinks. There are two main types of grain alcohol brands that Ive come across: Everclear and Clear Spring. The more water you pour, the more diluted your homemade limoncello becomes. Its extra work but it was so pretty. Fill 2/3 with ice and shake for 30 seconds. They are a more recent discovery, most likely introduced by Middle Eastern merchants to the area. You can enjoy this cocktail during a hot summer day to cool down or simply any day of the year because its just that darn good. Its best to use organic lemons. Set aside, away from direct sunlight. Limoncello can be stored in bottles (glass or plastic) at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct light. There is nothing more authentic than the vibrant limoncello of the Amalfi Coast. Any lid is fine too. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons and place them in a large glass jar. (Keep in mind that the end results may vary to some degree depending on: the kind of sugar you use in the simple syrup, the kind of vodka or grain alcohol used, and the freshness of the lemons.). But apparently limoncello goes back further than that, to the times of Pompeii at least, or even further back. Moreover, aspritzis a cocktail made with Prosecco, a bitter liqueur such as Aperol or Campari, and sparkling water. The lemons were sweeter than their counterparts and they had a very fragrant and appealing yellow zest. Seal or cover the glass jar with cellophane and store it in a cool place for 7 days. Hello! Aha! Try to avoid the pith of the lemon skin. Limoncello was used to impress guests, boost immunity, and rejuvenate field workers, fishermen, and travelers alike. Bottle the Limoncello obtained and store in the fridge or freezer. Glass bottles work well, and so does plastic. I like to use old liqueur bottles, or glass IKEA bottles. You can also use it as a much looked forward to digestive after a meal. Add the grain alcohol to the jar. As the syrup warms up it will thicken, it is normal, turn it so that it does not become brown. Once the sugar is dissolved, let the mixture cool completely to room temperature (a few hours) (photo 5), Once the simple syrup has cooled, prepare a sieve with a coffee filter or cheese cloth inside. If you drink it right away, the flavors havent had time to settle. We had this amazing Italian cocktail on the beach and we loved it so much, I took a picture of the menu so that I could one day recreate it. Use a paring knife Once the limoncello has infused and been bottled, it should rest for another 30 days. 1-4 cups of sugar, adjust according to taste. Many people just keep the limoncello stashed in their freezer (space permitting) so that its cold any time youd like to drink it. It was the perfect day. This is especially important since limoncello uses just the peels. Our recipe comes from a local family in Campania that shared their cherished recipe with us. Travlinmad LLC 2014-2022 - No written content or photography may be used without express written permission. Pour the limoncello and Prosecco into the glass and give a quick stir. Most Italians in Campania and southern Italy make their own. I've made my own homemade limoncello and arancello for years, trying several recipes and tweaking here and there. :-). Limoncello Recipe: How to Make This Citrus Drink? Making a Limoncello Spritz is super easy! Step aside Aperol Spritz, there is a new kid on the block a refreshing Limoncello Spritz! A crucial element of the success of this liqueur, lies in the way it is served at the table: cold and frozen !!!!! Limoncello became popular in the early 1900s, though nobody knows who actually invented this refreshing liquor. NOTE: I've seen the ratio of sugar/water vary in several recipes, but I have found this ratio works best. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together and smoothen out. Your email address will not be published. As complicated as you might think it is to make homemade limoncello its really very simple. Sipping wine, limoncello, or any other 'cello is as much a cultural thing in an Italian household (or in my case Italian-American household)as eating Italian food, or sharing the same kitchen towel around the dinner table to wipe your mouth (sorry, I know how this sounds). Once the sugar is dissolved, let the mixture cool completely to room temperature (a few hours). Place the pot over a medium flame and simmer the mixture while you stir it for 5-7 minutes. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. [] you fancy other typical Italian liqueurs? 2021 Hardcore Italians. Join our mailing list for the latest updates, offers & more. Peel the lemons with a vegetable peeler, taking extra care to not leave too much pith (the white part of the lemon skin) on the peel. They are frosted yellow and come on little cute serving plates that are decorated with lemons. With the help of a funnel, pour the limoncello into bottles. 1. Its basically pure alcohol. Using a grater, zest all of the lemons. This limoncello with the sugar amounts given wont be overly sweet. The lemon skins will release oil for months. That is because my recipe is inspired by the exact Limoncello Spritz I had on the Amalfi Coast. We were taking limoncello shots, drinking all sorts of lemon drinks, sharing stories, and eating delicious cuisine. For making arancello, add clove, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pod at this stage before corking. The grain alcohol I used was a 1L bottle. Impress Your Guests | Refreshing Homemade Limoncello Recipe, The Facinating History of Taormina, Sicily. Arancello (from orange), limecello, pummellocello (pummelo), grapefruitcello or any other 'celloare unique and fun to experiment with once youve made your first batch. Avoid using high-end vodkas they're a waste of money when making homemade limoncello! Please read mydisclosurefor more info. Categories Drink, Italian Cuisine, Recipes, Triple Chocolate Biscotti a Sweet Twist on the Classic Italian Biscotti. Taste and adjust sugar/water quantity according to your preference. Theres no need to add ice to it if youve kept it in the freezer. For every 750 ml of alcohol, dissolve 355 ml (1.5 cups) of white sugar in 590 ml (2.5 cups) of water, heating the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Libbey Classic White Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Glass Pitcher with Tight Stainless Steel Lid, 68 Ounces, Long Handle Cleaning Brush and Mixing Spoon, Durable and Temperature Safe, 2 Pack Silicone Ice Cube Molds with Lid Flexible Ice Trays BPA Free, for Whiskey, Cocktail, Stackable Flexible Safe. The restaurant menu listed only these three ingredients limoncello, Prosecco, and sorbet. Limoncello Labels - Pack of 12. You will see that the alcohol will have turned yellow. Place bottles or jars in the freezer until very cold and serve in chilled shot or cordial glasses. On the sixth day, boil the water and add the sugar to the boiling water, stir the sugar until it is fully dissolved. This limoncello recipe is a simple step-by-step guide to making your own limoncello at home! Pour the limoncello and Prosecco into a large wineglass (or a desired glass of choice) filled with a few ice cubes. Italians linger over meals, and long after the meal as well over a plate of sweet treats and desserts, fruits, nuts, and lively conversation. Arent they adorable? Peel lemons with a potato peeler to use only the peel without the white (which is bitter). Again, if you're making larger batches for gifts, adjust the simple syrup recipe accordingly. There is no additional cost to you. While homemade limoncello is great on its own, here are some other things you can do with it: Wash the lemons by scrubbing them with the rough side of a sponge. The first recipes for limoncello appeared in cookbooks in the early 1900s. 5. Give the ingredients a quick stir. I remember this memory like it was yesterday. First of all, to prepare an excellent limoncello it is paramount to begin from top quality ingredients.Lemons are the base of this drink, so they must fragrant and tasty, but above all grown naturally and without chemicals. The alcohol will be bright lemony yellow in color. The trick here is to use the best, ripe, organic lemons you can find and 90 proof grain alcohol or vodka would work as well. Let the alcohol infuse for 30 days. Fill a large wineglass (or a desired glass of choice) with a few ice cubes. Traditionally,limoncello is served in small glass or ceramic cups for sipping, like these ceramic glasses made in Sorrento. During our trip to the Amalfi Coast this year we were so impressed with the lemons. Because our other passion istravel around the world and meet people to share experiences, in those years we have met manymanypeople that ask us to cook for them and to reveal thesecret of italian cuisines. You can also make many other variations from several kinds of citrus fruits. How Long Can You Store Homemade Limoncello? Add one scoop of lemon sorbet per glass, serve, and enjoy. Mix equal parts (1 to 1 ratio) of water and sugar in a saucepan. Avoid digging too deep and peeling the white pith under the skin, trying only for the outer lemon skin. Strain the mixture into the sealable jars or bottles and seal tightly. If you have a lemon tree at home, its perfect! After the two weeks your Limoncello will be ready to serve! (photo 7), With the help of a funnel, pour the limoncello into bottles (photo 8), Let the limoncello rest in a cool dry place out of direct light for 30 days (photo 9). Pour lemon-infused vodka through a strainer to remove piths. Letting the limoncello rest will allow the flavors to meld together and become smoother. You might be wondering why I do not mention sparkling water in the ingredients of a Limoncello Spritz. Too much pith will make the limoncello bitter (photo 2), Add the lemon peels to a large glass jar with a lid. My family and I were exploring the Amalfi Coast during our Mediterranean cruise. Add the simple syrup to the infused alcohol (it will go slightly cloudy) and stir with a wooden spoon. Leave a Comment. It is only a three-ingredient recipe that involves a simple process that works well at home or in a professional restaurant setting. My name is Pina and I love Italian food and culture! Store the mixture for two weeks at room temperature. Infusion times vary between limoncello recipes. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of Our Sweet Adventures and for cooking with my recipes on "Christina's Culinary Creations". The vodka used to make limoncello is what gives it a long shelf life and also inhibits any bad bacteria from developing as it ages in unopened bottles. Moreover, this was the first time I truly saw my dad in his element. Place it over a large bowl and strain the alcohol-lemon peel mixture into the bowl, so that only the liquid collects in the bowl. Mixture will turn slightly cloudy. Planning on giving your homemade limoncello as holiday or hostess gifts? The best alcohol to use when making homemade limoncello is grain alcohol. Cover the mixture tightly to prevent air from entering the container.