Best Homemade Limoncello Recipe (Simple & Perfect)
This guest-favorite homemade limoncello is deceptively simple to make, requiring just four ingredients and a little patience. It’s the perfect after-dinner digestif that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 7 days (including steeping and chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 6 cups (48 servings of 1.5 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 large organic lemons
- 1 liter high-proof vodka (80 to 100 proof)
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 4 cups (960ml) filtered water
Instructions
- Zest the lemons: Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the yellow zest in wide strips, avoiding the white pith. Place the zest strips into a large glass jar.
- Combine with alcohol: Pour the entire liter of vodka over the lemon zest, ensuring all zest is submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days (up to 14 days), shaking gently every couple of days.
- Make the simple syrup: After the steeping period, combine the sugar and filtered water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Strain the alcohol: Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or clean jar. Pour the alcohol-zest mixture through the strainer, discarding the zest. If cloudy, strain again through fresh cheesecloth.
- Combine and bottle: Pour the strained alcohol into a large pitcher or bowl. Slowly add the cooled simple syrup, stirring gently. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Pour into glass bottles using a funnel.
- Chill and wait: Seal the bottles and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to marry. The limoncello will keep in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Notes
Use organic lemons to avoid wax and pesticides. Avoid the white pith when zesting to prevent bitterness. Let the simple syrup cool completely before adding to the alcohol to prevent cloudiness. For a stronger version, use Everclear (151 proof) and steep for 3-4 days. Serve ice-cold from the freezer or over crushed ice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 oz
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 17
- Carbohydrates: 17
Keywords: limoncello, homemade limoncello, lemon liqueur, Italian digestif, easy limoncello recipe