Limoncello is so easy to make and there are so many fun recipes to use limoncello. Limoncello is not just for drinking, I will be posting spring & summer recipes in the weeks to come using this flavorful liquer in salad dressings, desserts and savory dishes.
In my research for making limoncello, and chatting with many friends some use vodka and some use everclear to make their limoncello. I decided to conduct a test a side my side comparison.
Here is my side by side test. One limoncello prepared with vodka and one with everclear. Can you guess which is which? The vodka limoncello is the one on the left closest to the vase of flowers. Both had the lemon peels soaking for 3 weeks. My preference is still the vodka limoncello, for me the taste is much smoother then the one prepared with the everclear. There is not a right or wrong here, like always with cooking it is a matter of preference, your preference.
For making limoncello you will need a 750ml bottle of vodka or everclear, 10 – 12 lemons, a large glass container. Wash and dry the lemons, peel the lemons and place the peels in the glass container. Cover the peels with vodka or everclear (peels must be covered with liquid) seal the container and place in an area away from direct sunlight or heat. Let the lemon peels soak for 2 – 4 weeks.
When you are ready to make your limoncello strain your liquer thru cheese cloth. Make your simple syrup. Start with 3 cups water and 3 cups of sugar in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat 5 – 7 minutes. Take off the heat and let cool. Again making the limoncello is to your taste. Mine is a 50/50 blend. You can start with less simple syrup and taste, adjust the simple syrup until your limoncello tastes perfect to you. I found I used more simple syrup in the everclear batch. You can store in one large glass jug in the refrigerator for your use, or you can pour in small glass bottles to give to friends for gifts.
- 750 ml vodka or everclear
- 10 – 12 lemons (using the peels, you can freeze the juice)
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups sugar