Best Kumquat Cello Recipes

KUMQUAT LIMONCELLO

Steps:

• Wash the kumquats well under hot water. Slice each in half and remove any seeds with the tip of a paring knife.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water to a full boil, then add the kumquats and sugar. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat until the kumquats begin to look semi-translucent and the mixture is the consistency of maple syrup, about 15 minutes.
• Divide the candied kumquats among four 18-ounce wide-mouthed jars. Divide the grain alcohol among them to fill. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks, but ideally 1 month. (The longer the liqueur ages, the better it will taste.)

LIMONCELLO

Steps:

• Peel strips of zest from lemons using a vegetable peeler; reserve lemons for another use. Put zest and vodka in an airtight container; let stand at room temperature at least 2 days (or up to 1 week).
• Stir together sugar and the hot water until sugar is dissolved; let cool. Stir sugar mixture into vodka mixture; refrigerate in an airtight container 1 day.
• Before serving, pour through a large sieve into a decanter or serving vessel; discard zest. Pour 2 ounces limoncello into each glass.

MAGGIE'S LETHAL KUMQUAT LIQUEUR

Steps:

• Put the pricked kumquats, sugar and brandy in a jar that can be tightly sealed (should hold at least a litre). Store jar away from sunlight.
• Every day for the next 14 days, turn the jar over and back to distribute the sugar. You don't need to shake the jar.
• After the 14 days are up, keep turning the jar over and back at least once a week until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• When the sugar has dissolved, use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently remove the kumquats. Leave the liqueur to age in the jar.
• Dip these boozy kumquats in melted chocolate for a delicious treat with after-dinner coffee. Store in the freezer.
• Six months later, the liqueur is ready to be bottled and enjoyed. Maggie saves interesting-looking smaller bottles to use for gifts.
• Note: You can bottle the liqueur at three months (to give as a gift), but tell the recipient it is worth waiting the extra three months before tasting. The well-aged liqueur is thicker, sweeter and more syrupy.

KUMQUAT FAUXHITO

Steps:

• Add the whole kumquats, mint and sugar to a small pitcher. Muddle until the mint leaves are broken down, the sugar is dissolved and the kumquats are softened. Add the lime juice and seltzer and stir to combine. Strain into 2 tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with mint sprigs and the kumquat slices.

GZ'S CELLO

Steps:

• Remove the peels from the citrus carefully, making sure not to include any of the pith. Place the peels in a large container and add the vodka (reserve the vodka bottle for later). Infuse until the alcohol strips the oils and color out of the peels, 12 to 24 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the simple syrup. Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• Fill the vodka bottle with about 27 ounces of the infused vodka and 7 ounces of the simple syrup and place in the freezer. Serve ice cold in chilled small copita or shot glasses.