Limoncello
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Limoncello
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.97 / 5
Limoncello is a delightful and zesty Italian liqueur well-known for its bold lemon flavor. This vibrant and aromatic cocktail is traditionally made with vodka infused with lemon zest, giving it a citrusy and refreshing essence. It's usually sweetened with sugar to balance the tartness of the lemon, resulting in a smooth and sweetly inviting drink. The bright lemon profile of Limoncello makes it a popular choice for sipping as a chilled digestive after meals, often served in a small cordial glass or snifter to enhance its intense flavors. The process of creating Limoncello involves patience, with the ingredients requiring several weeks of resting for the flavors to fully meld, ensuring a high-quality and robust liqueur experience.
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Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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2045 calories
Alcohol content
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39.53% | 40 units *

Tags

Vodka ingredient icon
Vodka cocktails

Pitcher glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Vodka cocktail ingredient icon for the Limoncello cocktail
Vodka
Lemon cocktail ingredient icon for the Limoncello cocktail
Lemons
Sugar cocktail ingredient icon for the Limoncello cocktail
Sugar
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

Limoncello embraces the zestiness of lemons in an aromatic concoction that highlights the sharpness of vodka tempered by the sweetness of sugar. Traditionally served chilled, this Italian classic is both a palate cleanser and a delightful digestif, embodying a fresh and tangy essence.

Method
How to make a Limoncello

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Zest the lemons and combine the zest and vodka in a non-reactive jug with a cover
Store for two weeks in cool, dark, space
After two weeks, prepare the syrup by heating a cup of water and a cup of sugar, then cool
Line a funnel with cheesecloth and strain the vodka mixture into a serving bottle
Discard the zest
Add syrup to the bottle and store again for one more week in a cool, dark, space
At the conclusion of the third week, serve chilled in cordial glass or snifter as a digestive
~ Recipe is enough for one bottle. The original recipe calls for putting the finished Limoncello in the freezer and serving straight from there. I think the lemon flavour is more notable if it's chilled rather than frozen. Also, you are left with a lot of naked lemons. When making this, I recommend having a plan for using them. I stuffed two of the lemons into the cavity of a roasting chicken, and then rubbed the skin with the juice from another along with garlic, oregano, and rosemary. World Market and Pier 1 both sell cheap but attractive glass bottles for storing the Limoncello. ~

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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Zest  ·  Strain  · 

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FAQ's

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of lemons are best to use for making Limoncello?

The best lemons for making Limoncello are Sorrento or Amalfi lemons, known for their aromatic peel and strong flavor. However, if these are not available, you can use organic lemons, ensuring they are not waxed or treated with pesticides.

Serving suggestions icon

How should Limoncello be served for optimal enjoyment?

Limoncello should be served well chilled, straight from the freezer. Pour it into small chilled glasses to enjoy its full flavor and refreshing qualities.

Preparation techniques icon

What is the importance of the infusion time in making Limoncello?

The infusion time is crucial in making Limoncello as it determines the intensity of the lemon flavor. Typically, lemons are infused with vodka for about 2 to 4 weeks. A longer infusion time will result in a stronger lemon flavor and deeper color.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of Limoncello compare to other spirits or liquors?

Limoncello typically has an alcohol content around 30% to 40%, which is lower than most hard spirits like vodka, whiskey, or rum that usually have around 40% to 50% alcohol by volume. However, Limoncello's alcohol content is higher than many sweet liqueurs.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Limoncello, and how is it made?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version of Limoncello can be made by substituting vodka with a lemon-flavored syrup or water mixed with lemon juice and zest for the infusion process. Sugar is adjusted to taste, creating a refreshing lemon-flavored drink without the alcohol.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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