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limoncello, made from scratch the old fashioned way

Homemade Limoncello Recipe

Recipe ByLaura Reigel
Servings :28 2 ounce servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Waiting Time 21 days
Total Time 21 days 20 minutes

EQUIPMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 200 grams lemon peels 15 to 20 lemons, depending on the size
  • 750 ml pure grain alcohol [190 proof | 95% alcohol by volume] alternatively vodka or grappa
  • 950 ml water approximately 4 cups
  • 700 grams sugar approximately 3.5 cups

INSTRUCTIONS

Peel the lemons

  • Wash the lemon skins with a vegetable brush. Peel the lemons, using a vegetable peeler.
  • Add the peels and the alchol to a glass container.
  • Let this mixture sit for 10 to 21 days.

Make the simple syrup

  • Combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a low boil and then simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Strain the alcohol and lemon peels. Reserve the infused alcohol.
  • Add the simple syrup to the lemon-infused alcohol. Adjust the sweetness if needed.
  • Store the limoncello in the fridge or the freezer.
  • Serve chilled!

RECIPE TIPS

Alcohol Substitutions
Grain alcohol is commonly marketed as Everclear. It's 190 proof, 95% alcohol by volume. 
Other alcohol that can be used is:
  • Vodka: 100 proof, 50% alcohol by volume
  • Vodka: 90 proof, 45% alcohol by volume
  • Grappa: typically 90 proof, 45% alcohol by volume
Recipe Variations
This recipe can be used to make arancello with orange peels and even limecello with lime peels. 

NUTRITION

Serving: 2ounces | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg