Description
This is the ultimate Italian Limoncello recipe, a refreshing and vibrant lemon liqueur that offers a burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for serving chilled or using in cocktails, it’s a labor of love that embodies Italian culinary tradition.
Ingredients
10–12 organic, unwaxed lemons
700 g (about 3 1/2 cups) granulated sugar
1.5–2 liters water (still or lightly sparkling)
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons food-grade glycerin for body/mouthfeel
Optional: A few fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for serving
Instructions
Wash and dry lemons, then finely zest them, avoiding the white pith.
In a saucepan, add zest, sugar, and 1 liter of water; gently heat and stir until sugar dissolves, then simmer on very low 5–10 minutes.
Turn off heat, cover, and let the lemon syrup steep 2–4 hours (or overnight in the fridge) for stronger flavor.
Strain out the zest; add remaining water and glycerin (if using), then chill completely.
Serve very cold in small glasses, or mix with sparkling water/ice as a refreshing halal limoncello-style lemonade.
Notes
This recipe allows for adjustments in sweetness based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Infusing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 fl oz (45ml)
- Calories: ~180-220 kcal
- Sugar: ~20-25 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~20-25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg