How to Make Italian Limoncello - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Italian cuisine, the country is renowned for its delicious pasta dishes, delectable desserts, and of course, its signature drink: Limoncello. This iconic lemon liqueur hails from the southern coast of Italy, where the warm climate nurtures the perfect lemons for this refreshing beverage. Limoncello is a staple in Italian households and is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. With its bright, citrusy flavor and smooth finish, it's no wonder that Limoncello has become a be...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (1.75 liter) bottle 190 proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear®)
  • 20 lemons, zested, or more to taste
  • 1-gallon jug
  • 7 cups water
  • 7 cups white sugar
  • coffee filters
  • 6 clean wine bottles with corks

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 days 8 hrs 12 mins
  • Total Time: 10 days 9 hrs 7 mins
  • Servings: 70
  • Yield: 5 1/2 bottles

  • Combine alcohol and lemon zest in a 1-gallon jug with a tight-fitting lid. Place in a cool, dark place to rest for 1 month. Swirl contents of the jug every few days.
  • Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Set simple syrup aside to cool completely, 15 to 30 minutes.
  • While simple syrup is cooling, place a sieve over a large bowl and line with coffee filters. Strain alcohol mixture through coffee filters to remove all sediment. Replace the filters as needed until all the mixture has been filtered. Filter one more time to ensure all sediment has been removed. Discard coffee filters and zest.
  • Add enough simple syrup to the alcohol mixture to reach the desired alcohol-by-volume percentage; refer to an alcohol content calculator.
  • Divide limoncello among 6 wine bottles. Seal with corks. Allow to rest in a cool, dark place for 1 month, swirling every few days. Strain one more time to remove any leftover sediment if desired.
  • Place 1 bottle of limoncello in the freezer and serve icy-cold. Store remaining bottles at room temperature.
  • Nutrition

    152 cal.

    • Sodium: 1mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 2mg
    • Potassium: 3mg