Homemade Limoncello
I first got the taste of homemade limoncello from a friend of mines dad. His limoncello was so different from the store bought that I fell in love with the flavour.
Now traditionalists will only make it with pure alcohol, this version is with vodka. I know some people will say it isn't the same, but I love it. I have made it with rakija (Croatian spirit) and although it was nice, it was strong for me.
With the vodka, I have tried a few brands now, but my two favourites were Smirnoff (red) and Tito's. These two were recommended by GZ who I got the recipe from and I agree, they are the best.
When you use vodka and add the sugar syrup, the limoncello freezes to a slushy consistency, (this does not happen with rakija). I quite like it, it is like a limoncello slushy. But if you don't want to drink it like that, just take it out of the freezer 10 minutes before you want to drink it, and the ice crystals will melt.
If you buy a 700ml bottle of vodka, you can make it with 10 lemons instead of the 12, that is up to you.
I have only made it with lemons, so far, but the original recipe says you can make it with 8 Valencia Oranges or 5 Ruby Red Grapefruits.
I will never buy store bought limoncello again, as I love this one. If you try this, I'd love to know what you think.
Now traditionalists will only make it with pure alcohol, this version is with vodka. I know some people will say it isn't the same, but I love it. I have made it with rakija (Croatian spirit) and although it was nice, it was strong for me.
With the vodka, I have tried a few brands now, but my two favourites were Smirnoff (red) and Tito's. These two were recommended by GZ who I got the recipe from and I agree, they are the best.
When you use vodka and add the sugar syrup, the limoncello freezes to a slushy consistency, (this does not happen with rakija). I quite like it, it is like a limoncello slushy. But if you don't want to drink it like that, just take it out of the freezer 10 minutes before you want to drink it, and the ice crystals will melt.
If you buy a 700ml bottle of vodka, you can make it with 10 lemons instead of the 12, that is up to you.
I have only made it with lemons, so far, but the original recipe says you can make it with 8 Valencia Oranges or 5 Ruby Red Grapefruits.
I will never buy store bought limoncello again, as I love this one. If you try this, I'd love to know what you think.
Recipe
Recipe adapted from Geoffrey Zakarian from The Kitchen
Makes 1 litre
12 large, lemons
1 litre of vodka, such as Smirnoff (Red) or Tito's Vodka
1 cup caster sugar
Makes 1 litre
12 large, lemons
1 litre of vodka, such as Smirnoff (Red) or Tito's Vodka
1 cup caster sugar
Remove the peels from the lemons, making sure not to include any of the white pith.
Place the peels in a large jug and add the vodka. Do not throw out the bottle, you will need it for the limoncello.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow the lemons to infuse all the oils and colour out of the peels. This takes about 24 hours. Just leave it on your kitchen bench.
Place the peels in a large jug and add the vodka. Do not throw out the bottle, you will need it for the limoncello.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow the lemons to infuse all the oils and colour out of the peels. This takes about 24 hours. Just leave it on your kitchen bench.
Make a sugar syrup: Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and bring to the boil. remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
Once cooled and after the lemons have done there thing, add the sugar syrup to the vodka mixture.
Using a funnel, carefully pour the limoncello into the vodka bottle, you will have extra because of the sugar syrup, just pour the extra limoncello into another smaller bottle or glass jar (this is my testing jar).
Place in the freezer, serve ice cold in chilled copita or shot glasses.
Using a funnel, carefully pour the limoncello into the vodka bottle, you will have extra because of the sugar syrup, just pour the extra limoncello into another smaller bottle or glass jar (this is my testing jar).
Place in the freezer, serve ice cold in chilled copita or shot glasses.
Enjoy!