"Authentic Italian Limoncello", Summer in a Bottle!

Posted by Keith Saunders

Posted: May 19, 2008 - 12:16 pm

Limoncello is a basic sweet lemon liquid nectar made with vodka, fresh lemons, sugar, water.

It's a staple in the Italian diet, usually drank after dinner to help the digestive process. Not only that, it's the second most popular consumed beverage in Italy.

With those huge Italian meals I imagine this beverage is crucial.

Maybe this is why my Italian friends are so happy!

It's basically a high-potent concentrated lemonade.

Who doesn't like lemonade?

Limoncello originated from the Amalfi coast of Italy and has been around since WWI.

Through the years it's crept it's way onto many of our palates.

Limoncello made at home can be a time consuming project, taking from 60-80 days, and in the past everyone I know has used vodka as it's base. For a recipe for this go to www.whats4eats.com/recipes/r_bev_limoncello.php.

Recently I came a across a spectacular recipe for Authentic Italian Limoncello by Ron Carducci on whatscookingamerica.com.

Not only is it delicious down to the last sip but it only takes eight days to make. Here it is;

Authentic Italian Limoncello

1 liter of Everclear alcohol (pick it up at Oak and Keg)
10 medium to large lemons
6 1/2cups of water
6 1/2 cups of sugar

Wash lemons thoroughly dry with a clean towel. Using a potato peeler, take all the lemon rinds off of the lemons so there is no white pith on the peel. Place the rind-peelings in a large container with the Everclear alcohol. Cover the container and let it sit for seven days in a cool place.

On the eighth day, strain the alcohol from the peels and discard the peels.

In a large saucepan, make a simple syrup by combining the water and sugar; let it simmer for 15 minutes. Let the liquid cool to room temperature.

Add to alcohol and stir.

Take 2-1 litre bottles and 1-750ml bottle and wash thoroughly in hot water. Let dry and pour your limoncello in and seal tightly.

Your elixir is know ready for consumption. I recommend storing your creation in your freezer for the optimum experience.

This same recipe works for Arancello also. Use 10 oranges instead of lemons.

For a real treat use this as a top off on your favorite Sparkling or Champagne!

If you don't know your way around the kitchen than you can buy Caravella Orangecello and Limoncello in a 750 ml for 25.99 at Gold Rush Liquor across from the Dimond Center. Though these products are a nice substitute they don't compare with the homemade version.

Salut!

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