Limoncello
I can’t think of anything more quintessentially Italian Summer than limoncello. And what better way to hold on to these last few days than bottle it up!? My aunt’s been making limoncello for years now and it always turns out great. So I finally got around to asking her for the recipe - it’s amazingly simple, but like all things Italian, it takes time and quality to do right.
Organic lemons are the key here. Because we’re using the outer-most layer of the peel, the one most exposed to toxins, chemicals and pesticides, it’s really important to spring for the highest quality you can find. Any organic lemon will work, but Meyer lemons are often recommended. From there you’ll have to grab 95% grain alcohol - ask for something in the vein of Everclear at the liquor store (it does NOT have to be that brand). You’ll need a liter of it. You want to let the lemon peels sit in the grain alcohol for a MINIMUM of two weeks. The longer you let them sit the better it turns out! But my patience wears thin around 3 weeks.
Step two simply requires sugar and water. Easy enough right? This may be one of the few times I recommend getting a white sugar simply to preserve the beautiful yellow color of the final product. Especially if you’re going to portion it out to give as gifts! Strain the lemons from the now neon yellow alcohol and combine it with your simple syrup. Stir to combine and bottle it up! Make sure to store the limoncello in the freezer as it’s best served ice cold!
I hope you all have an amazing Labor Day, despite how very strange this year has been! Stay safe, be responsible and make something delicious! Salute!
Limoncello
Yields 2 Liters
10 organic lemons
1 liter 95% grain alcohol
2 1/2 C. sugar
4 1/4 C. water
Carefully peel the lemons and place them in the grain alcohol. Seal them well and store in a cool dry place for at least 2 weeks.
In a small saucepan combine water and sugar. Set over medium heat until sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool.
Strain lemon peels from the grain alcohol. Combine alcohol with sugar water and mix well. Bottle and store in freezer.