LIMONCELLO ©David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Chemistry University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Batavia OH 45103
	This page has been accessed  times since 16 April 2006.

Limoncello is an aperitif liqueur typical of southern Italy, especially along the Almalfi coast and Sorrento.  It is commonly enjoyed after a meal of pizza, etc.  The lemons of the Amalfi coast produce a particularly rich zest (yellow, outer part of the rind) which gives it its depth of flavor.  These flavors are efficiently extracted with 95% alcohol, then the extract is diluted with a sugar syrup to make the finished liquer.  Once you filter out the particulates and thoroughly chill it, it is ready to consume.  Aging does not improve the flavor.  Thanks to Larry Blodgett from whom I first got this recipe.

How to make the Italian liqueur limoncello, at home.
 

INGREDIENTS:

Peel the zest from 9 lemons, preferably organic.  Scrub the outside of the lemons if in doubt.  Avoid the white as much as feasible, it is bitter.
30 ounces of 190 proof alcohol such as "Everclear" etc.  (900 mL or half of a 1.75 liter bottle).  (May not be available in UK?)
25 ounces table sugar (sucrose)
22 ounces boiling water
 

PROTOCOL:

1)  Peel or grate the zest from  9 large fresh lemons (preferably organic: they should be clean of pesticides and added wax on the surface).
2)  Suspend the zest in 30 ounces of 190 Proof alcohol for 48 to 72 hours (up to a week) in a sealed container.
3)  Dissolve 25 oz. sugar in 22 ounces of boiling water.  Boil briefly to thoroughly dissolve the sugar.
4)  Cool the syrup to near room temperature and stir into the lemon extract mixture.
5)  Refrigerate the mixture for 24 hours.
6)  Strain into bottles and store in the freezer.

Serve ice cold in aperitif glasses.