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Limoncello is one of my favorite liquors. For the simple reason that it is the star ingredient in my favorite cocktail - a lemon drop martini. This homemade limoncello is potent stuff. But that is what I like about it :)
You can buy really good limoncello in the stores. It usually costs about $25 for a 750 ml bottle. This recipe will make double that and cost you half as much. The recipe is from Giada de Laurentis.
Ingredients
- 10 lemons
- 1 bottle of vodka (750 ml)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 1/2 cups water
Directions
Remove the peel from the lemons, being careful not to get any of the white pith (it is bitter). A vegetable peeler works great for this. Place the lemon peel in a 2 quart jar or pitcher and pour the vodka over them. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 4 days.
On the 4th day, heat the sugar in water in a saucepan until the sugar is melted (creating a simple syrup). Pour the simple syrup into the jar with the vodka and lemon peel. Allow to sit for one more day at room temperature and then strain to remove the lemon peel. You now have lemony goodness that you can bottle up and use whenever needed.
Here are a few drinks I like to make with my limoncello.
- Lemon Drop Martini - 1 part lemonade to 1 part limoncello
- Sparkling Lemon - 1 part soda water to 1 part limoncello
- Cranberry Twist - 1 part cranberry juice to 1 part limoncello
If you really want something strong, you can try my husband's version of the lemon drop martini. He couldn't quite remember how to make them (because the recipe is so complicated), and he ended up combining 1 part vodka, 1 part limoncello. Our friends were feeling good that night!
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