Homemade Limoncello

Homemade Limoncello

This weekend I was blessed to receive a bottle of homemade Limoncello from my cousin Jim. It got me thinking about my recipe and what a perfect gift a bottle of this potent little potable makes.

Ingredients:
1 liter 100 proof vodka
2 ½ cups sugar
2 cups water
Zest of 8 fresh lemons

Steps:
1. Wash the lemons with a vegetable brush and hot water to remove any reside of pesticides or wax. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel.

2. In a clean and sterilized 1-gallon glass jar, add ½ liter vodka and the lemon zest. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days, and up to 40 days in a cool dark place.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook until thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Let the syrup cool before adding it to the limoncello mixture. Add the additional ½ liter of vodka. Allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.

4. After the rest period, strain the zest and bottle the liquid, discarding the lemon zest. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve. For gifts: funnel into wine bottles and add decorative labels.