Homemade Limoncello Fresh Lemons (Printable Version)

A bright, citrus-infused Italian liqueur made from fresh lemon zest and natural ingredients.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Citrus

01 - 8 large unwaxed organic lemons

→ Alcohol

02 - 25.4 fl oz 95% pure grain alcohol or 100-proof vodka

→ Syrup

03 - 20.3 fl oz water
04 - 1.76 cups granulated sugar

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Wash lemons thoroughly under hot water, scrubbing to remove any residue or wax coating. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the yellow zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the skin.
03 - Place the lemon zest in a large, clean glass jar. Pour in the alcohol, ensuring the zest is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly with an airtight lid.
04 - Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 10 to 30 days. Gently shake the jar every 2 days. Extended infusion time develops stronger lemon flavor.
05 - In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool to room temperature.
06 - Pour the lemon-infused alcohol through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the spent zest.
07 - Pour the lemon-infused alcohol into the cooled syrup. Stir thoroughly to ensure complete blending.
08 - Pour the limoncello into sterilized bottles with airtight seals. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark location.
09 - Allow the bottled limoncello to rest for at least 7 days before serving to achieve optimal flavor development. Serve well-chilled directly from the freezer in small glasses.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Authentic Italian tradition made from scratch with just three simple ingredients
  • Completely vegan and gluten-free with no artificial flavors or additives
  • Long infusion time develops deep, complex lemon flavor that commercial versions can't match
  • Makes a stunning homemade gift when bottled in decorative containers
  • Stores beautifully in the freezer, ready to serve whenever guests arrive
02 -
  • Shake the infusion jar gently every 2 days to redistribute the oils and ensure even extraction
  • Let the sugar syrup cool completely before mixing with the alcohol to prevent cloudiness
  • A longer infusion (20–30 days) creates deeper flavor, while 10 days yields a lighter, brighter taste
  • Strain through cheesecloth twice for crystal-clear limoncello with no sediment
  • Allow the finished limoncello to rest at least 7 days after bottling for flavors to marry and mellow
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