Easy Homemade Limoncello Recipe with 5 Steps for Zesty Flavor
A simple and quick homemade limoncello recipe that captures the bright, fresh flavor of lemons with a smooth, sweet finish. Perfect for summer evenings, gifting, or a refreshing after-dinner treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (for sugar syrup preparation)
- Total Time: 7 to 10 days (including infusion time)
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 liters (about 24 servings of 2 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large organic lemons (preferably unwaxed)
- 1 liter (34 fl oz) high-quality vodka (e.g., Smirnoff or Tito’s)
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 4 cups (950 ml) water
Instructions
- Wash and zest the lemons using a vegetable peeler or microplane, avoiding the white pith beneath.
- Place the lemon zest into a large glass jar and pour in 1 liter (34 fl oz) of vodka. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 7 to 10 days, shaking gently every day.
- Combine 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar and 4 cups (950 ml) water in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let syrup cool to room temperature.
- Strain the infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing lightly on the zest to extract flavor.
- Slowly mix the cooled sugar syrup into the strained lemon vodka. Stir gently, pour into clean bottles, seal, and refrigerate or freeze for at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Avoid the white pith when zesting to prevent bitterness. Use good-quality vodka for a smooth finish. Shake the jar daily during infusion. Cool sugar syrup before mixing to preserve alcohol content. Adjust sugar syrup to taste for sweetness or strength. Freeze before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces (60 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14
- Carbohydrates: 14
Keywords: limoncello, homemade limoncello, lemon liqueur, easy limoncello recipe, lemon zest, vodka liqueur, summer drinks, Italian liqueur