I absolutely love limoncello. It's delicious year-round, and the perfect addition to almost any cocktail. If you're wondering "what is limoncello," here's your answer!
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What is limoncello?
Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur made with zest of lemons, simple syrup, and vodka. It originated from the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. It makes for a great cocktail mixer, particularly for an Italian cocktail that calls for simple syrup and a citrus flavor. You can also just pour it over ice and enjoy it by itself!
How to make limoncello?
You can easily find limoncello at your local liquor stores or grocery store. I personally love Trader Joe's limoncello. However, it is also SO easy to make homemade limoncello! Here's how to do it.
- In a large jar, combine 10 cups of vodka, and the zest of 10 lemons.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place for 2 weeks.
- After 2 weeks, take the limoncello jar and add 4 cups of simple syrup. The simple syrup is 2 cups of white sugar combined with 2 cups of water.
- Once the simple syrup is mixed in, you have the final product!
Tips for making homemade limoncello
Lemon Peels. You want to make sure you are just getting the zest of the lemons. This means just the yellow outer skin, no white pith. The pith will make things very bitter and your limoncello will be ruined.
Types of Lemons. The traditional recipe is made with Sorrento lemons, or you may know them as sfusato lemons. However, you can truly use any type of lemons and still get delicious limoncello. I do suggest, no matter what type of lemon you use, to make homemade limoncello with organic lemons.
Liquor. I like making my homemade limoncello with vodka, but lots of recipes call for 100 proof pure grain alcohol for this classic Italian liqueur.
Lemon Juice. You can certainly add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your homemade limoncello, but I personally don't.
How to drink limoncello?
Limoncello on its own has such a refreshing taste. I recommend drinking it at the end of the meal in a small glass over ice. Limoncello is a digestif, so it's meant to stimulate digestion, meaning it's the perfect after-dinner drink. There are also some great limoncello recipes that I share below!
I recommend serving it chilled in a snifter glass!
How long does limoncello last?
If limoncello is unopened, store it in a cool, dark place at room temperature. I recommend storing it for no more than 2 years, unopened. Once you open it, store it in the refrigerator for up to a year.
Drinks to make with limoncello
Although you can drink limoncello on its own, it makes some of the best cocktails! Here are a few of my favorite limoncello drinks.
Lemon Drop with Limoncello
This is my favorite homemade lemon drop recipe. The limoncello is so perfect in this cocktail, it gives it such a strong lemon flavor that I love.
Lemon Drop Martini with Limoncello
This lemon drop martini with limoncello is one of the best lemon drop martini recipes! Plus, I love a good limoncello cocktail recipe, you can never go wrong.
Limoncello Spritz
If you don't like Aperol or are just looking for a summer spritz recipe, you have to try making a limoncello spritz! It's so refreshing.
Refreshing Limoncello Spritz (perfect summer cocktail!)
I love this limoncello spritz with prosecco! It's such a fun limoncello cocktail to make at home. It tastes so bright and bubbly, citrusy and sweet, if you're looking for delicious ways to use limoncello, look no further than this recipe!
FAQs
What kind of alcohol is in limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur.
Can you get drunk off Limoncello?
You sure can! You can drink it straight, or I love making cocktails with it.
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