How to Make Homemade Limoncello {Easy Recipe!}

Have you ever enjoyed a nice Italian meal and been offered a sip of lemon liqueur while checking over the dessert recipes menu? This after-dinner digestif is the pride and joy of every Italian restaurant and home and will be served to show that they have the best limoncello you have ever tasted. 

Italian Limoncello

So, where did limoncello come from? Most will tell you that it was created somewhere in Sorrento off the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy where some of the best lemons are grown. Soaking lemon peels in pure alcohol like high-proof Everclear then mixing with a simple syrup is the way to make authentic limoncello. I am not too keen on so much alcohol, so I prefer to use a bottle of vodka instead.

Items You Will Need To Make Your Own Homemade Limoncello

• Vegetable Peeler– I like to use a horizontal peeler like this one because it is the best way to cut lemon peels without the white pith. 
• Large Glass Jar or Bowl: Use glass to steep fresh lemon peels. The alcohol will pull out all the essential oils from the peels and you don't want anything else pulled from a plastic container!
• Measuring Cup: To measure your preferred kind of liquor and the water for your simple syrup.
• Funnel: A cooking funnel is best when you are ready to bottle your final product.
• Bottles: I have bottled my homemade limoncello in these airtight swing-top bottles. I keep one for us and share the rest as holiday gifts. If you have a lot of folks on your list, use smaller bottles with your own label to share your great gifts with all! 
• Small Saucepan: to cook your simple syrup.
• Plastic Wrap: I love this ChicWrap: it comes in its own box with a cutter and is a restaurant-quality wrap! 

Limoncello Ingredients

• Organic lemons
• Clear alcohol like Vodka or Everclear
• Water
• Sugar

How to Make Homemade Limoncello With Vodka 

This is really the best recipe for making homemade limoncello. It only involves a few ingredients and a little bit of patience and soon you will also enjoy this lovely limoncello. 

First Step: Be sure to wash the outside of your lemons. The type of lemon is up to your preference- Look for fresh lemons that are bright yellow. If you choose Meyer lemons, which are on the sweeter side, you will have a sweeter limoncello with a golden yellow color instead of pale yellow. Whichever you choose, try to use Organic over standard lemons to avoid all the pesticides that can be found on the outside lemon rind.

Step two: Carefully peel just the lemon rind with as little of the white pith as possible with a potato peeler. Add your lemon peels to a glass jar or bowl. 

Step three: Measure out your vodka and pour over the lemon peels. Stir and cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap and set on the kitchen counter for 4-7 days at room temperature. Allowing this to soak for at least 7 days will yield the best results.

Step four: Make your simple syrup (water & sugar). Let the sugar syrup cool completely. Pour into your vodka mixture and allow to steep for 24 hours. 

Step five: Strain liquid into large measuring cups, discarding the zest of lemons. Using a funnel placed in the opening of a bottle, pour limoncello into bottles or air-tight containers. Store in a cool dark place or in the refrigerator. 

How Long Does Homemade Limoncello Last?

Homemade limoncello can last unopened for up to two years. Find a spot in the pantry or cupboard and let it hang out to mellow and become more flavorful. I keep mine in the fridge because limoncello is best served cold. If you have a spot in your freezer, even better! My bottle usually lasts for about a year. 

Is Limoncello Better With Everclear or Vodka? 

I have had both. A local restaurant makes a huge batch with Everclear to keep behind the bar to make their limoncello spritz- which tastes amazing on a hot summer day- but I will admit, the first few sips can be a bit harsh. I prefer using good quality vodka like Grey Goose or Tito's brand. Vodka seems to be the best alcohol to create a smooth sipping cordial.

What Do I Do With Leftover Lemons? 

What do you do with all the leftover peeled lemons? I make fresh lemon juice! Use your lemon juice to make lemonade, fresh lemon curd, or any recipes that call for fresh lemon juice. You could also pour into ice cube trays and freeze to use in cocktails or sparkling water. 

Here are some other lemon recipes you may enjoy:

• Lemon Pound Cake
• Lemon Rosemary Chicken
• Strawberry Lemonade