Homemade Limoncello Fresh Lemons (Printable)

A zesty Italian liqueur crafted from fresh lemons, ideal for gifting or enjoying chilled.

# Components:

→ Citrus

01 - 8 large unwaxed organic lemons

→ Alcohol

02 - 25.4 fl oz 95% pure grain alcohol or 100-proof vodka

→ Syrup

03 - 20.3 fl oz water
04 - 14.1 oz granulated sugar

# Method:

01 - Wash lemons thoroughly under hot water, scrubbing to remove any residue or wax. Pat completely dry.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the yellow zest from lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
03 - Place lemon zest in a large clean glass jar. Pour in alcohol, ensuring zest is fully submerged. Seal tightly.
04 - Store jar in a cool, dark place for 10 to 30 days. Shake gently every 2 days. Longer infusion yields stronger lemon flavor.
05 - In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat gently while stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
06 - Strain lemon zest from alcohol using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard zest.
07 - Mix lemon-infused alcohol with cooled syrup, stirring thoroughly to blend completely.
08 - Pour limoncello into sterilized bottles with airtight seals. Rest for at least 7 days before serving.
09 - Serve well-chilled straight from the freezer in small glasses.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients – just lemons, alcohol, water, and sugar create liquid gold
  • Makes an impressive homemade gift when bottled in attractive containers
  • Vegan and gluten-free, perfect for diverse dietary needs
  • The infusion process is mostly passive – time does the work for you
  • Customize the sweetness and strength to your personal taste
  • Far more flavorful and economical than store-bought versions
02 -
  • Use only organic, unwaxed lemons for best flavor and safety
  • The longer you infuse (up to 30 days), the more intense the lemon flavor
  • Adjust sugar to taste for a sweeter or drier limoncello
  • Limoncello makes an excellent gift when bottled attractively
  • Always verify alcohol source if gluten is a concern
  • Store finished limoncello in the freezer – it won't freeze due to alcohol content
Return