Homemade Limoncello is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to do what I do, which is start a new batch as soon as the first batch is finished! One of our favorite homemade liqueurs!
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Homemade Limoncello
I’ve posted a limoncello recipe before. Wow, I can’t believe that was all the back in 2011. But since that time I’ve made batch after batch of limoncello. It’s that good. Once you try your homemade, you will never be satisfied with store bought again.
This is so easy, it’s one of those recipes where time does most of the work. Oh, there is a little labor in zesting and juicing the lemons, but it smells divine and it’s all sunny yellow.
Organic Lemons for Limoncello
You want to start out with organic lemons. Since you are soaking the zest in the alcohol, you don’t want anything with pesticides on it. If you don’t have organic lemons, just be sure and scrub yours really well. When you are zesting the lemons, you want to try and avoid the white pith and just get the yellow part.
I used this OXO Good Grips Lemon Zester
Professional Citrus Juicer
My other secret weapon in my arsenal is a Professional Citrus Juicer
Even if I just want the juice of one lemon, it’s so easy. The only thing I do different with it is instead of using the little black cup that comes with it, I remove that and just place a jar or measuring cup right under it, that way I can easily see how much juice I am getting. If you like margaritas as much as we do, this is worth it’s weight in gold in getting fresh lime juice!
Homemade Liqueurs
Now, I usually have a few people who tell me this isn’t real limoncello. That there are all kinds of other things involved in making a real limoncello. I’m okay with that. I like making homemade liqueurs – it’s fun. I like the way the way they taste, I like the process of watching and tasting along the way.
This limoncello brings a sweet citrus flavor to your cocktails and I even used it in the glaze on this Lemon Yogurt Bundt Cake!
Homemade Limoncello
This Homemade Limoncello is so much better than store bought and time does most of the work!
Ingredients
- 8 lemons preferably organic
- 3 cups vodka
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions
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Zest the lemons and place the zest in a clean jar big enough to hold 8 cups of liquid.
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Juice the lemons and place the juice in a freezer safe jar or plastic ziplock bag and store in the freezer.
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Pour the vodka over the lemon jest in the jar. Close the jar and store in a cool dark place, shaking it daily.
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After two weeks, strain and discard the zest and pour the vodka back in the jar. Make a simple syrup by combing the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the simple syrup in the jar with the vodka. Thaw the lemon juice and add it to the jar. Return to a cool dark place and let it mellow for about 6 weeks.
Recipe Notes
Takes about a total of 8 weeks aging time. The first aging is two weeks and the second aging is 6 weeks.
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Update Notes: This was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2018.
Helen says
You don’t say when to add the lemon juice that is frozen in the Ziploc bag. Also can the cool dark place be the refrigerator? This recipe sounds very good. I enjoy a good lemon drop martini. I can imagine sipping on a glass of homemade limoncello! 🙂
Pam Greer says
I can’t believe I left that off! You add the lemon juice when you add the simple syrup. I’m sure the refrigerator would work, it might take a little bit longer than when stored at room temperature.
April J Harris says
Your Limoncello looks amazing, Pam! I love the amount of lemon in it for flavour – and for health reasons too of course 😉 Seriously, this would make such a nice gift! Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Cheryl Crotty says
Hi Pam…this was really interesting because I also make limoncello and our recipes are so different…I also liked learning about that lemon peeler. I definitely need to get me one of those…I make the cream limoncello…and my recipe calls for a lot, which i like because at Christmas I bottle it up and give it away….I’ll post that recipe soon so you can see the difference. Not matter how it’s made, it is really good.
Cheers..
Pam Greer says
Oh, yes, I would love to see your recipe!
Laura Dembowski says
I love making things like this! Homemade limoncello sounds wonderfully flavorful!
Sippitysup says
I’ve also made several batches of lemoncello and am always amazed at the further depth of flavor from the storebought stuff. GREG
Meagan @ The F&B Department says
After trying the overly sweetened, viscous store-bought Limoncello, I was convinced I would never be a fan of the stuff. Once I tried homemade Limoncello, I had the “Oh, this is what it’s supposed to taste like!” moment. This is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing it!
Pam Greer says
I know, it tastes completely different, doesn’t it?!
Marjie says
I have a Pampered Chef zester which I just love! Lemon zest makes everything look so festive. I remember you writing about your limoncello before; it’s good to know you’re sticking with your traditions.