ITALIAN LIMONCELLO

Italian Limoncello image

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

(2) 750ml bottles 100 proof vodka
15 Lemons
4 cups Sugar
5 cups Water, filtered tap or distilled water

Steps:

Wash the lemons with a vegetable brush and hot water to remove any reside of pesticides or wax; pat the lemons dry. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel. Use only the outer part of the rind. The pith, the white part underneath the rind, is too bitter and would spoil your limoncello.
In a large glass jar (1-gallon jar with lid), add vodka. Add the lemon zest as it is zested. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least (10) ten days and up to (40) days in a cool dark place. The longer the mixture rests, the better the end taste will be. There is no need to stir - all you have to do is wait. As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly take on the flavor and rich yellow color of the lemon zest.
Make a Basic Simple Syrup using the 4 cups sugar and 5 cups water: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water; bring to a gentle boil and let boil, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool before adding it to the Limoncello mixture. Add cooled sugar mixture to the Limoncello mixture (from Step One). Cover jar and allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.
After the rest period, strain the Limoncello; discarding the lemon zest. NOTE: Coffee filters or cheesecloth work great for straining the mixture. Moisten the filters before beginning the straining process. Pour strained Limoncello in bottle/bottles (of your choice) and seal tightly.
Storing Limoncello: Keep your bottle/bottles of Limoncello in the freezer until ready to serve. Serve ice cold from the freezer.
Ways to serve other than just drinking (drinking is my favorite way): Refreshing and light, it is wonderful as a palate cleanser or as an after dinner drinks. It is an incomparable digestive, and with tonic water it is a sweet, tasty refreshment. It is also great with champagne or mixed with juice as a cocktail. It even does well simply drizzled on ice cream, fruit salads, or fresh strawberries.