Homemade Limoncello Fresh Lemons (Print Version)

A vibrant infusion of fresh lemons creating a bright and flavorful Italian liqueur.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Lemons

01 - 8 large unwaxed organic lemons

→ Alcohol

02 - 25 fl oz 95% pure grain alcohol or 100-proof vodka

→ Syrup

03 - 20 fl oz water
04 - 14 oz granulated sugar

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Wash lemons thoroughly under hot water, scrubbing to remove any residue or wax coating. Pat completely dry with a clean cloth.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the yellow zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
03 - Place lemon zest in a large, clean glass jar. Pour in the alcohol, ensuring the zest is fully submerged. Seal tightly.
04 - Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 10 to 30 days. Shake gently every 2 days. Longer infusion times yield stronger lemon flavor.
05 - In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring continuously until sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature.
06 - Pour the lemon-infused alcohol through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove zest particles. Discard spent zest.
07 - Mix the strained lemon-infused alcohol with the cooled syrup, stirring thoroughly to achieve uniform flavor distribution.
08 - Pour the limoncello into sterilized bottles with airtight seals. Store in a cool, dark location.
09 - Allow the bottled limoncello to rest for at least 7 days before serving to permit flavor integration and refinement.
10 - Chill in the freezer until well-chilled. Serve in small glasses straight from the freezer.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Authentic Italian flavor using just three simple ingredients
  • Perfect make-ahead gift that impresses every time
  • Customizable sweetness to suit your personal taste
  • Vegan and gluten-free, suitable for most dietary needs
  • The infusion process is hands-off and nearly foolproof
02 -
  • Always choose organic, unwaxed lemons to avoid chemical residues in your liqueur
  • Store your finished limoncello in the freezer—it won't freeze due to the alcohol content
  • Label your bottles with the infusion start date and bottling date for reference
  • Save the peeled lemons for juicing—they work perfectly for lemonade or baking
  • Limoncello keeps for up to a year when properly sealed and refrigerated
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