Chew on This | Homemade Limoncello

It's the middle of July, right? I ask because the weather over this last week has been cool and pleasant with almost no humidity. Um, weird. Not that I'm complaining - I'm not. I have loved it. Windows open day and night. Grilling, patio lounging, s'mores….all good!

And this. This Limoncello has been good this week too. Really good. And it will probably be even better when the weather returns to the hot, steamy, almost oppressive heat we're accustomed to during July. 

This Limoncello is packed with a sweet and fruity lemon flavor. And it packs a serious punch! Whew - sweet alcoholy liquer! That's why most people serve this yumminess in chilled, small cordial, grappa, or shot glasses. But we're classy over here so we'll serve it in some small stemmed wine glasses. 

And always, always keep your Limoncello ready for serving by storing it in the freezer. So refreshing! Especially when the weather does become more July-like. 

Ahh, I just might be looking forward to the coming stifling heat. Bring it!

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Here's our recipe:

Homemade Limoncello

750 milliliters, 100 proof vodka (you could also use grain alcohol)

10 organic lemons

3 1/2 C water

2 C sugar

To start, wash your organic lemons thoroughly. Next, using a vegetable peeler, peel the yellow skin from the lemons. Avoid peeling the white pith with the peel. The pith will make the Limoncello very bitter. If you do happen to include too much pith, carefully cut it away with a sharp knife. Place the peels into a large glass jar/container that has a tight sealing lid. Pour the vodka over the peels and seal the container. Store your container in a cool, dark place for 30 days. 

After 30 days, prepare your simple syrup (the water/sugar mixture). In a sauce pan, over medium-low heat, combine your water and sugar. Stir continuously until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

Next, strain the peels out of the vodka. To do this, place some cheesecloth into a fine mesh sieve and strain the vodka into another glass container. Discard the lemon peels and add new cheesecloth to the sieve. Strain the lemon vodka two more times to remove all impurities.

Now combine the strained lemon vodka and cooled simple syrup into a clean, dry glass container, or into individual bottles. Store Limoncello in the freezer. Enjoy!