How to Make Limoncello

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Learn how to make Limoncello with this simple recipe. Just 3 ingredients and an old-world technique. It's sweet, tart, and citrusy!

Prep Time20

Infusing time21

Total Time21 20

Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks, How to, Liqueur

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 2-ounce servings

Calories: 202kcal

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the lemons. Try to remove only the outer yellow skin and as little of the white pith as possible. Trim away any large pieces of pith with a paring knife.
Transfer the lemon peels to a large jar and pour the vodka over the top. Alternatively, put the lemon peels in the vodka bottle (You may need to remove a small amount of vodka to make the peels all fit)
Seal the jar or bottle tightly and store in a cool, dark place, or the refrigerator for at least 7 days and up to 30 days. The longer it infuses, the stronger the lemon flavor will be.
Once the infusion is complete, sterilize smaller bottles if using and allow them to cool.
Make the simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a simmer, stirring until all of the sugar has dissolved.
Pour finished syrup into a glass jar or measuring cup and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to cool completely. This step can be done up to 3 weeks in advance.
Using a fine strainer, strain the infused vodka into a large jar or bowl. Discard the peels.
Add 2 cups of the cooled simple syrup to the infused vodka. Taste and continue adding more simple syrup until you achieve your preferred sweetness.
Optional: Store in the refrigerator for one day to let the flavors meld, taste again, and add more simple syrup if desired.
Transfer to bottles, seal tightly, and refrigerate or freeze for up to one year.

Storage: Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator or freezer for up to one year.