Serious adult lemonade, Italian Style
Ah, Limoncello, I love you. Really, I do…
A few years back while in Italy, it seemed that Limoncello was everywhere. Our Italian friends introduced to this light and refreshing drink. We drank a lot of it. It’s really a perfect cocktail for a hot summer day. The great thing about Limoncello is that you can enjoy it (responsibly) chilled in a cold cordial glass (traditional way), over ice (my favorite way), as a martini straight up or mixed with sparkling water. There are also tons of recipes for making delightful frou-frou drinks. Wherever your tastes take you, Limoncello is a really good outlet for the perfect summer drink.
Limoncello is a product of Italy, so it’s not cheap here in America. Something like $25 for a small bottle. Since I’m way too frugal, I decided to figure out how to make it at home. In Italy, Limoncello is made with their version of grain alcohol. I’m not a “grain alcohol” kinda gal, so I make mine with vodka. Equally as tasty, but it just doesn’t have the crazy high alcohol content! If you are more adventurous than me, feel free to make this with moonshine, grain alcohol or whatever else floats your boat! As long as it’s a clear liquor. I haven’t tried it with Gin or Tequila though! Maybe? Who knows…
Anyway, you have time to make this for the Forth of July weekend! I made my batch in anticipation for a recipe that I will post soon in time for the holiday! I hope you try this, it’s super yummy. Just don’t let the kiddos get a hold of it!
- 1.75 ml Bottle of your favorite Vodka
- 10 lemons
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Pour vodka into a large airtight container.
- With a vegetable peeler, remove yellow parts of lemons and put into vodka.
- Cover and let sit for a minimum of 10 days or up to two weeks.
- Juice all the lemons and store in the freezer until ready to finish the Limoncello.
- In a sauce pan on medium/low heat, add one cup of lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- To finish the Limoncello, strain the vodka mixture into a large bowl, removing all the lemon peels. Add the cooled sugar mixture and stir until well combined.
- Store your Limoncello in glass bottles and keep refrigerated.
- Serve chilled.
So easy to make at home! Lovely summertime drink.