Traditional Italian Limoncello

The zest of 10 lemons is steeped in 190-proof alcohol for 1 week then mixed with simple syrup to make this traditional Italian limoncello.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 184 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 cups white sugar
• 6 cups water
• 10 lemons
• 1 quart 95% alcohol (190 proof)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Zest lemons, making sure to get the outermost part of the skin and avoid the white pith.

Step 2

Place lemon zest in a glass bowl and cover with alcohol. Cover and let infuse at room temperature until yellowish in color, about 7 days.

Step 3

Bring water and sugar to the boil in a saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove syrup from heat and let cool, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Pour alcohol into the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer; discard lemon zest. Stir well.

Step 5

Pour limoncello into thick, freezer-safe glass bottles. Store in the freezer for at least 2 weeks before serving.