Limoncello Recipe

Limoncello is the taste of Italian summers and it’s so easy to make at home!

It’s sweet, tart and bursting with fresh lemon flavour. Sip on a small glass after dinner, add it to cocktails on a hot summer’s day or use it to make desserts and gelato.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 medium – large organic lemons
• 4 cups / 1 litre Vodka * (use a good quality vodka, it makes a huge difference to the overall flavour)
• 4 ⅔ cups / 1.1 litres water
• 2.43 lbs / 1.1kg white sugar

* Traditionally, Limoncello is made with 95% pure grain alcohol but it’s not available to buy in every country or easy to find(especially in the Kalahari! ) Good quality vodka works just as well.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash lemons then using a vegetable peeler, peel the skins. Make sure to only peel the yellow part and not to extract too much of the white pith (the white parts)
2. Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar or bottle and pour in the alcohol. Close the lid securely and place in a dark place. Allow to infuse for 25 days ( or longer!)
3. After 25 days use a fine mesh strainer/colander to strain the lemon peels with a large bowl underneath
4. Pour water in a large pot over a stove top on a medium heat. When you see small bubbles starting to appear (but not boiling), add in the sugar
5. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to melt the sugar, and turn the heat off after 2 minutes
6. Leave the pot on the stove and continuously stir for 3-5 minutes to ensure all of the sugar dissolves in the water
7. When water becomes warm but not at room temperature yet, add in the lemon infused alcohol and stir continuously for a couple of minutes
8. Allow it to cool down to room temperature, then using a funnel, carefully ladle the limoncello into glass bottles
9. Securely tighten the lids, place in the fridge to cool for a few hours and its ready to serve! Serve up limoncello in chilled shot glasses or make a limoncello spritz and enjoy!!