The Best Homemade Limoncello Recipe (Authentic Italian Recipe) Lemoncello

Katie and Billy Self had Limoncello for the first time in Florence, Italy on their Honeymoon in August, 2005. Years later the couple decided to make their own Limoncello just as the Italian locals have done for generations.

The first recipe calls for 30 organic Lemons, 2 750ml bottles Everclear, 1 750ml bottle 100 proof Vodka, 6 cups sugar, 6 cups water; yields about 4.5 Liters. (To yield 6 Liters: use 2 Liters of Everclear, 1 Liter of 100 proof vodka, 8 cups sugar, and 8 cups water)

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Limoncello
• Lemoncello
• recipe
• homemade
• italy
• italian
• authentic
• lemon
• orangecello
• honeymoon
• sicily

[PastaBender]

Everything here seems right on except for the use of Vodka ... yikes! Can't be Authentic Italian limoncello if there's vodka in it!

[katiemself]

Yes yes yes...I know many people feel very strongly about limoncello consisting only of everclear alcohol. However, after much internal debate I decided to combine a few different recipes. One recipe said to use half vodka/everclear because it smooths out the taste. I felt this was too drastic and used a 2:1 everclear to 100 proof vodka formula. Many limoncello aficionados say it's the best limoncello they've ever tasted. Thanks for the comment!

[nikolelily]

have you tried any other tricks or variations on the basic recipe i.e instead of peeling lemons, using a microplane grater, letting it "mellow" after bottling, filtering booze before infusing, filtering after first aging etc? just curious, as i am embarking on a quest for the ultimate limoncello and want opinions and outcomes from anyone who has ever made it! thanks! and nice vid, by the way~

[katiemself]

This was our first attempt at making Limoncello, however we did extensive research on many different recipes and points of view on what the best Limoncello consisted of. i've read that a microplane grater works but is much more difficult to filter. We have one bottle of limoncello that is just at a year old and we're going to pop it in the freezer to determine it's taste after aging, but i did read that one man's aged limoncello did not taste very good. I'm unsure if he stored it improperly.

[chefcommons]

Nice work, we liked your video very much so we embedded it on ChefCommons . com w/ link back and reference to Youtube. (Let us know if you don't wish for it to be featured)

[katiemself]

We'd love to be on the site, send us the link so we can check it out and show our friends! My husband already signed up to follow you on Twitter!

[nysfinest10385]

Bravo!!!! Grazie per quest'..e buon!!  Cent'ann e grazie mille!!!!!!

[olen3105]

Vodka is so distilled that there is nothing in it except water and alcohol. It is a complete waste to add vodka which, if 100 proof is just equal parts of alcohol and water. If pure Everclear yields something that is too strong...add some water. Don't let yourself be fooled that there is any flavoring in plain vodka. There isn't.

[RIODJENIRO1961]

In the process of making your version of Limoncello, can't wait! I have 3 more weeks! Now I just need to find the right bottles since I may be giving this to friends & family. My daughter wants me to try the recipe using raspberries or peaches or even oranges! Just might do that but on a smaller scale! Thank you for your recipe!

[DTMArtChick]

I zested my lemons for my first run and I used Everclear 190. It was really good and we enjoyed it. The second time around I cut my organic lemons up into quarters and steeped them in the Everclear. When I strained the liquor I also squeezed the lemons. It was really good! More lemon flavor, of course. I will make it both ways. With the whole lemon the difference is more of a tartness....which I enjoy. And....it's quicker! :)

[revoltingnerds]

@CeeCasper this song sucks you should listen to some rap from bay area mark.

[TaddyDeFrog]

For all those who reply about no Vodka in Italy I suggest you try Purus Italian vodka. It's on a par with Grey Goose for smoothness. Of course it's made with imported American wheat! Also remember that Penne Vodka was invented in Italy. So vodka can be an authentic Italian ingredient.

[kevinscottyscot]

I am making this recipe now its been 2weeks and its looking great but i have a quick question... if i have to open the lid for everyday that i stir it wont make a difference in the taste right? if it does should i then just move it to a bigger container like yours?

[PastaBender]

@GMLFire Do you have a reference for this? I do agree that, in the US, many folks use Vodka ... heck, you can't even buy EverClear in some states! My 'reference' for the Italian side comes from the local owner/chef of an Italian restaurant ... he was born and raised in Capri. We were discussing limoncello and his recipe.  I mentioned vodka and he got this incredulous look on his face ... 'We never use vodka in Italy, just grain alcohol.' Not that Italians would ever overstate anything!! lol

[GMLFire]

@katiemself It really doesn't age well. You really have to consume it within 3 months of making it. It peaks in the freezer at about 2 months old.