Now that the 4th of July is behind us, summer can really start going by quickly. Before the leaves start turning colors, I thought I would share one of my favorite summer recipes with you. Some time ago I found myself with a lot of lemons and luckily this limoncello recipe found me. Follow along with me while I make this year’s batch and a pitcher of lemonade with the leftover lemon juice.
Secondly, if you are going to do it, I recommend doubling the recipe. Since you are making the effort, it will pay off and you will have more to share with friends and family.
So mise en place:
Limoncello (Single recipe)
2 lbs. lemons
1 quart (4 c.) vodka
6 c. purified water
2 1/2 c. cane or granulated sugar*
or if you do it my way…
Limoncello (Double recipe)
4 lbs. lemons (I recommend a big bag from Costco)
2 quarts (8 c.) vodka (I also use Kirkland Vodka, made by Gray Goose but half of the GG price)
12 c. purified water
5 c. cane or granulated sugar*
*The recipe I am using recommends cane sugar. However, I have found that the limoncello takes on a slightly brownish color which is somewhat unappetizing. So, I now use fine granulated sugar.
Now, take the extra 1/2 cup lemon juice and if you have a tiny ice-cube tray, pour the lemon juice into each little cube. Mine is about 1 Tablespoon per cube.
Back to the limoncello. Every day, take the bottles out and shake them vigorously. Do this two times a day, such as breakfast and dinner time.
Here’s where the real work comes in: strain the sweetened vodka through coffee filters. You will need to change them often. Plan on using 10-20 coffee filters, at least. I put the coffee filter in a sieve which is put over a pitcher or bowl. You are almost done so hang in there. This will take 20 minutes and maybe up to an hour depending on your filters. I usually end up forcing the vodka through the filters by closing them up at the top and squeezing when it stops dripping through.
Now, it is time to pour the vodka back into the bottles, recork them and put them in the refrigerator. You are ready to enjoy some limoncello.