<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Limoncello-Pin-3-150x150.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Pinterest graphic for Limoncello recipe. Top image shows person’s hand pouring Limoncello into wine glasses. Lemons and hand towel on counter beside. Bottom images show Limoncello in glass containers, one with lemons still in it and one ready to serve. Text says, “homemade Limoncello recipe simplejoy.com.” - 1”>
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Limoncello is a delicious Italian liqueur that is so easy to make homemade. Just three simple ingredients give you this delicious after dinner drink.
Limoncello is one of my very favorites. Anytime we go to an Italian restaurant and they have a homemade version on the menu, I have it as an after-dinner dessert.
So when a reader, Trina M., asked if I would like to share her recipe on Simple Joy, I was ecstatic. She told me that she loves making this as gifts and was given the recipe by Italian family friends decades ago.
This recipe has a few steps to it, but none are complicated. This is a simple recipe that you will enjoy year after year.
Please note that this is a very delicious but very strong liqueur. It tastes just like the homemade limoncello I’ve been served in Italian restaurants. But! If you are looking for something sweeter or less strong, consider making a sweeter simple syrup ( with these instructions ). Or make more simple syrup by adding both more water and more sugar so that you have a ratio that leans heavier simple syrup and less the limoncello oil made from the Everclear.
Limoncello Ingredients
Just three ingredients (plus water) are needed to make homemade limoncello liqueur. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe including all measurements.
- Lemons: The magical flavor of limoncello comes from lemon peels because they are packed with flavorful, aromatic oils. A vegetable or potato peeler works great for peeling the lemons and getting large strips.
- 190 proof Everclear: The high alcohol content of a grain alcohol like Everclear acts as a powerful solvent for extracting the vibrant flavors and oils from the lemon peels. It acts like a blank slate in a way that vodka doesn’t. The higher the alcohol content, the faster and more thoroughly the oils are extracted, resulting in a more flavorful liqueur. It also helps prevent cloudiness in the finished limoncello, giving you a cleaner-looking liqueur.
- Sugar: By combining sugar and water on the stovetop, we create a simple syrup that sweetens the limoncello and dissolves well into it for a smooth beverage. Read more on making this without sugar and making it sweeter below.
How to Make Limoncello
Here is a brief overview of how this homemade limoncello recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Peel the lemons. The peels add the lemon flavor. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the bright yellow peels of the lemon. Avoid any of the white piths underneath the bright yellow peel, as this will make your limoncello bitter. Put the peels in a large glass jar or container.
- Soak the lemons in Everclear. Pour the Everclear over the lemons in the jar. Store in a dark cool place for three days. Shake the jar two times a day to mix it up.
- Make simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a large pot over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, remove from the heat and allow it to fully cool.
- Put it all together. Strain the infused alcohol mixture to discard the peels and divide the liquid into four glass containers. Top with the cooled simple syrup and shake to combine.
Limoncello oil after three days.
Picking Out Lemons For Limoncello
The oils from the lemon peels infuse directly into the alcohol during the steeping process, creating the bold, lemony essence that limoncello is known for. By focusing on the peels, you extract the purest, most concentrated lemon flavor. Just look at that beautiful yellow color that is solely from the peels.
Because the alcohol will extract everything from the lemon peels, I recommend using organic lemons if you can since non-organic lemons are covered in wax and may have been sprayed with pesticides and/or insecticides. Either way, I recommend scrubbing the lemons thoroughly with hot water to remove as much dirt and residue as possible. Choose lemons with smooth, bright yellow skin that feel firm. Avoid lemons that feel soft or spongy.
Give the lemons a gentle sniff. They should have a strong, citrusy aroma. A fragrant lemon will result in more flavorful zest and a better-tasting limoncello.
Divide the limoncello oil between four containers.
Even though lemon juice isn’t used to make limoncello, don’t throw out the lemons after using their peels! I like to juice the lemon as soon as I peel it for the limoncello and reserve it to make my kids some lemonade. Another great use would be my sweet and sour mix .
Choosing a Container
One of these large mason jars works great for combining Everclear and lemon peels to make limoncello. Be sure to avoid using a metal lid that will react with the acid in the lemons. Four of these 32-ounce jars work great for dividing up the mixture, whether you’re keeping it for yourself or gifting it to a friend or family member.
Glass Jar With Glass Lid
Making it Sweeter
This version makes a potent limoncello that is absolutely delicious. That being said, if you would like one that has a little less kick and a little more sweetness to it, you will want to use more sugar when you make the simple syrup. You can add up to another four cups of sugar, but I would recommend using six cups of sugar in total.
Skipping the Sugar
You can, of course, skip the simple syrup altogether and drink the original lemon and Everclear mixture on its own. Keep in mind that this is an extremely strong drink at 95 proof.
How to Drink Limoncello
Enjoy plain or make some limoncello cocktails! Add some prosecco or sparkling water to make a limoncello spritz. Add some gin or vodka to a cocktail shaker with ice to make a limoncello martini.
Storing Limoncello
Limoncello can be stored in a glass airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Using Other Citrus Fruits
This works amazing with other citrus fruits besides lemons. I have had orangecello and hear that limecello is delicious. You use the same process in these different “cellos,” but of course you just swap out what fruit you are using. It would be really easy to divide the Everclear and make multiple flavors at once. You could even give grapefruits a try.
Gifting
This is a great holiday gift. This makes about 140 ounces of sweet lemon liqueur. This divides really well into eight 16 ounce bottles with a little left over for you to sip on. I found this perfect bottle set that comes with a funnel for easy pouring.
<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/limoncello-recipe-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Glass jug of Limoncello with tag that says “Limoncello.” Lemons and hand towel beside. - 10”>
Other Great Cocktail Recipes
- Best Cosmopolitan Drink Recipe
- French 76
- The Best Margarita Recipe
If you make this limoncello recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think!
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Ingredients
- 15 lemons read my notes in the post about picking out the most bright lemons
- 1.75 liter 190 proof Everclear
- 4 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Please note before starting that this is a very delicious but very strong liqueur. If you are looking for something sweeter or less strong, consider making a sweeter simple syrup ( with these instructions ). Or make more simple syrup by adding both more water and more sugar so that you have a ratio that leans heavier simple syrup and less the limoncello oil made from the Everclear.
- Peel the lemons. Be sure to avoid any of the white pith, as this will make your limoncello bitter. 15 lemons
- Place the lemon peels into a glass container with a glass lid . We want to avoid a metal lid that will react with the acid in the lemons. 1.75 liter 190 proof Everclear
- Pour the Everclear over the lemons in the jar. Store in a dark cool place for 3 days. Shake 2 times a day.
- At the end of the 3 days, make simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk the mixture regularly. As it heats up, the sugar will dissolve. Once it has dissolved completely remove from the heat. Allow to fully cool. 4 cups sugar, 8 cups water
- Once the syrup has completely cooled, divide the lemon Everclear mixture into four 32 ounce sized glass containers . You will be putting 1.87 cups in each container. (I do this by adding 1 3/4 cup to each container and then dividing the remaining few tablespoons.) Then top with the cooled simple syrup. You will be adding 2 1/2 cups to each container. Shake to combine.
- You can gift the four containers you just made, or you can divide them further using this great eight bottle set . Or you could keep it all for yourself and enjoy it in these delightful cordial glasses you see pictured above.
did you make this
Limoncello
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Limoncello
Ingredients
- 15 lemons read my notes in the post about picking out the most bright lemons
- 1.75 liter 190 proof Everclear
- 4 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Please note before starting that this is a very delicious but very strong liqueur. If you are looking for something sweeter or less strong, consider making a sweeter simple syrup ( with these instructions ). Or make more simple syrup by adding both more water and more sugar so that you have a ratio that leans heavier simple syrup and less the limoncello oil made from the Everclear.
- Peel the lemons. Be sure to avoid any of the white pith, as this will make your limoncello bitter. 15 lemons
- Place the lemon peels into a glass container with a glass lid . We want to avoid a metal lid that will react with the acid in the lemons. 1.75 liter 190 proof Everclear
- Pour the Everclear over the lemons in the jar. Store in a dark cool place for 3 days. Shake 2 times a day.
- At the end of the 3 days, make simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk the mixture regularly. As it heats up, the sugar will dissolve. Once it has dissolved completely remove from the heat. Allow to fully cool. 4 cups sugar, 8 cups water
- Once the syrup has completely cooled, divide the lemon Everclear mixture into four 32 ounce sized glass containers . You will be putting 1.87 cups in each container. (I do this by adding 1 3/4 cup to each container and then dividing the remaining few tablespoons.) Then top with the cooled simple syrup. You will be adding 2 1/2 cups to each container. Shake to combine.
- You can gift the four containers you just made, or you can divide them further using this great eight bottle set . Or you could keep it all for yourself and enjoy it in these delightful cordial glasses you see pictured above.
Nutrition
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