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Recipe courtesy of Michael Chiarello

Limoncello

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 30 servings
  • Total: 20 min
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Cook: 5 min
You can make this with any citrus. The key is using the best and freshest citrus possible. Fruit that has been in storage a long time gives a muddy taste to the drink.
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Ingredients

12 Meyer lemons, or a mixture of lemons and limes, peel only, no pith

3 sprigs lavender, optional but lovely

2 liters light rum or vodka

6 cups sugar

3 cups water

Directions

  1. Put the lemon peels, lavender, if using, and rum or vodka in a container and let stand for 4 weeks.
  2. Strain the mixture into a decanter.
  3. Mix the sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool before adding to the rum mixture.
  4. Serve in small aperitif glasses.
  5. Store in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Show: Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello
Episode: Gaucho Gusto

Categories:

Italian European Recipes Fruit Lemon Sugar Rum Recipes Liqueur Recipes Vodka Recipes Cocktail Party Recipes for Parties

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24 Reviews
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BeachLuva

Having been lucky enough to have lived in Italy for nearly 6 years, this recipe takes much longer than the one I was given while living there. I would never attempt this with rum as rum has too much of it's own flavor, but that's my opinion. I use Everclear and let the peels ferment 10 days to 2 weeks. The way I know it's fermented enough it to check and see if the peels are brittle. They should snap if bent. As far as sweetness goes, again it's a personal taste. On the few batches I made that were too sweet, I added some lemon flavored vodka at the end of the process. This should be kept cold, but I only keep one bottle at a time in the freezer due to space limitations. Once the outside temperature drops below 45 degrees, I leave the extra bottles in a cooler outside. Also, remember if you don't want your limoncello too strong, check the alcohol content. Vodka is weaker than Everclear. Most importantly, enjoy & share the love!

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