Limoncello -
Campania, Amalfi Coast/Sorrento
By LuciaInTheKitchen
3
Last edited: 22:46, 09-03-2025
About This Recipe
Ah, Limoncello! If you’ve ever been to the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento, you know it’s a must-try. It’s the drink of the region, passed down from generation to generation, and made with the freshest, juiciest lemons you can find—those big, fragrant Sorrento lemons that practically burst with sunshine. This recipe is a tradition that we’ve kept alive for years, and it’s the perfect way to end any meal. You let the lemon peels steep in alcohol for days, then mix it with a simple sugar syrup, and voilà—you’ve got a sweet, refreshing liqueur that’s the taste of Italy in a glass. Drink it ice-cold after dinner, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting on a terrace overlooking the sea. Buon appetito! 🍋🍸
Ingredients
Serves: 1-20
Time: 120 mins
- 8–10 organic lemons (preferably Sorrento or Amalfi)
- 750 ml pure alcohol (95% ABV, such as Everclear)
- 500 g (2 ½ cups) sugar
- 750 ml (3 cups) water
Method
Prepare the Lemons
- Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly.
- Using a vegetable peeler or small knife, carefully remove the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Infuse the Alcohol
- Place the lemon zest in a large glass jar.
- Pour in the alcohol, seal the jar, and store in a cool, dark place for 7–10 days.
- Shake the jar gently once a day to help the infusion process.
Make the Syrup
- In a saucepan, heat the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Let the syrup cool completely.
Combine & Strain
- Strain the infused alcohol through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the lemon peels.
- Mix the filtered alcohol with the cooled syrup, stirring well.
Bottle & Rest
- Pour the limoncello into sterilized bottles and seal them tightly.
- Let it rest for at least 7 days in the refrigerator or freezer for the flavors to mellow.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve ice-cold in small glasses as a digestif.
Comments
2
PastaWithGiovanni on March 9, 2025, 10:54 p.m.
I must try this, so I have it for the next summer!
AnnaLovesRisotto on March 14, 2025, 10:48 a.m.
I need to try this as well!