Limoncello is the grownup version of enjoying a refreshing glass of lemonade. Making your own homemade Limoncello saves you time and money, but honestly just gives you bragging rights, like of like making homemade blackberry brady.
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon flavored liquor. The process to make Limoncello can take anywhere from 24 hours to months, depending on the quality and flavor you desire.
I generally get too anxious watching it sit on the counter for my steeping process to take more than a month, maybe a few days longer depending on my schedule.
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this homemade limoncello. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Lemons – The key to an excellent limoncello is to use only the lemon rind and NOT the pith (white part). Those with a steady hand can use a paring knife, which is much faster. However I find that using a vegetable peeler is safer for my fingers and my limoncello. It only takes off the very top of the rind, with no need to then carve off the pith.
- Vodka or grain alcohol – Some individuals use grain alcohol, but I prefer vodka. I buy the cheapest I can find because after I flavor and mix it with sugar, the expensive stuff won’t taste the same anyhow.
- Sugar – You need something to sweeten your limoncello, and for that we combine sugar and water to make a simple syrup. I use just regular granulated sugar.
Mix Things Up
There are several ways you can make this homemade limoncello your own. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Swap the citrus – Instead of lemons, try using oranges, grapefruits, limes or even meyer lemons if you can find them.
- Alcohol – You can use grain alcohol if you choose. The alcohol will gradually turn a light yellow color as it infuses.
Limoncello Cocktails
Make a simple Limoncello Spritz by adding 1 ounce of limoncello to a glass of sparkling white wine (Prosecco) with a splash of soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh mint.
Limoncello can also be served cold as a sipper digestif or added to other cocktails recipes.
Perfect Pairings
Many cocktails can be made with limoncello, but I like mine to be freezing cold and straight up after a summer BBQ (truth be told, I drink it year round).
I like to add mine to a lemon drop martini for exquisite lemon-y flavor. Try using it as a simple syrup over layers of cake for a boozy surprise.
How to Make Limoncello Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 lemons
- 2 liters vodka or grain alcohol
- 2 pounds sugar
- 12 cups water
Instructions
- Start by peeling 16 lemons with a vegetable peeler, avoiding the pith (white part.) Evenly divide them between the large containers. Evenly divide the 2 liters vodka or grain alcohol between the large containers, or until lemons are covered. Close tightly and set aside for 2-3 weeks.
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, combine the 2 pounds sugar and 12 cups waterStir together over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a low boil and sugar has dissolved. Continue to simmer until mixture has reduced by a 1/4 making simple syrup. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
- Pour the alcohol mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into 2 more clean containers.
- Evenly divide the simple syrup between the two containers of lemon liqueur. Put the lid on tight and store for an additional 1-2 weeks. Shake or stir well before using.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Make sure you store it in an area with no direct sunlight and steady temperatures under 80 degrees. After the alcohol takes on the taste lemon (I usually allow for 2-3 weeks), you drain the zest and mix with homemade simple syrup.
Yes, you can! In fact, I prefer to store it in the freezer because I like mine cold. However, keep in mind that it won’t freeze because of the high alcohol content.
More Lemon Recipes
I love all things lemon- both sweet and savory! Here are some of my favorite lemon recipes.
Limoncello: I only give it a 4 because I made the recipe wrong, in that I didn’t boil down the sugar water.
I cut this recipe in half, soaked for one month +, so I could use in a cake and didn’t need more. I have shared the limoncello, and used to add sliced fresh strawberries. Yum on all counts. After trying this out, I definitely NEED to make much more!
Looking forward to make a (very rich sounding) cake recipe next week.
TOO WONDERFUL FOR WORDS❗️
I have made this a number of times and we love it. I have made it with lemons, but also with oranges and grapefruit. The only problem I have found is deciding which we like best ! ! ( I have another orange batch in the works right now )
Awesome! We LOVE that you LOVE it!! And thank you for taking the time to come let us know!
I could really do something with these recipes. I have a bag of lemons in my kitchen right now!
My mouth watered as I read this article lol. I’ve never actually made a limoncello before.
How fun! Thanks for the limoncello recipe! I’ll have to give it a try!
Nope, never heard of it! Interesting. That chicken looks yummy too!
Great pairing of drink and food choice! I’ve actually never had a limoncello
I’ve been wanting to try this. i would love this for myself
I have actually heard of lemoncello but never tried it. I’m not much into alcohol.
I haven’t made limoncello in years!!! You’ve inspired me to make another batch 🙂