Making your own limoncello at home is way easier than you think!
It only takes a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and the result is a smooth, sweet, and citrusy liqueur that tastes like sunshine in a bottle.
This Italian classic makes a fantastic homemade gift, but let’s be honest—you’ll want to keep a bottle in the freezer just for yourself.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 10 organic lemons (washed)
- 2 ½ cups (600 ml) high-proof vodka (or grain alcohol)
- 2 cups (400 g) sugar
- 2 ½ cups (600 ml) water
Tools
- Vegetable peeler
- Large glass jar with a tight lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Medium saucepan
- Large spoon
- Funnel
- Glass bottles for storing
Pro Tips
- Use organic lemons! The peel is where all the flavor comes from, so you don’t want any wax or pesticides.
- Peel carefully. Avoid the white pith—it’s bitter. Just get the bright yellow part of the peel.
- Let it infuse longer if you can. Two weeks is great, but four weeks? Even better!
- Shake the jar every day. This helps extract all that lemony goodness.
- Chill before serving. Limoncello is best ice cold, straight from the freezer.
Instructions
1. Peel the Lemons
Use a vegetable peeler to remove only the yellow part of the lemon peel. Avoid the white pith, which can make the limoncello bitter.
2. Infuse the Vodka
Place the lemon peels into a large glass jar. Pour the vodka over the peels, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking gently every day.
3. Make the Simple Syrup
After the infusion time, heat the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the Lemon Vodka
Strain the infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, removing all the lemon peels.
5. Mix and Bottle
Pour the cooled simple syrup into the strained lemon vodka, stirring gently. Use a funnel to transfer the limoncello into glass bottles. Seal and refrigerate or freeze before serving.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to a year.
- Limoncello doesn’t freeze solid due to the alcohol content, so it stays perfectly pourable.
- If you see cloudiness over time, just give the bottle a gentle shake before serving.
Conclusion
And that’s it—homemade limoncello that’s smooth, citrusy, and absolutely delicious! Pour yourself a small glass, share with friends, or use it in cocktails and desserts. Let me know in the comments if you made this, how long you let it infuse, and how you’re enjoying it! Cheers! 🍋
