Limoncello recipe

The Telegraph
·1 min read
Limoncello
You can keep the limoncello stored in the freezer, where it will thicken - Bobby Doherty

The pride of the Neapolitans, this delectable drink is a refreshing digestivo that can be kept in the freezer for up to two months (it won’t freeze due to the high alcohol content). Pour into chilled/frozen glasses, and enjoy the pure essence of lemons.

Timings

Prep time: 5 minutes, plus 9 weeks maturing

Cook time: 5 minutes

Makes

750ml

Ingredients

  • 3 large lemons

  • 475ml vodka or grappa

  • 375g sugar

Method

  1. Carefully pare the zest from 2 of the lemons in long strips, and place in a large (750ml) preserving jar.

  2. Pour over the vodka or grappa, seal tightly and leave in a dark place for about two months to mature.

  3. After two months put the sugar in a pan with 250ml of water and the strained juice of 1 lemon.

  4. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Cool.

  5. Open the preserving jar with the lemon-flavoured alcohol, and pour in the sugar syrup.

  6. Stir well and let the mixture stand for a couple of hours.

  7. Strain through a fine sieve, and pour into a 75cl sterilised bottle.

  8. Seal and leave in a cool, dark place for another week, shaking occasionally.

  9. Serve and keep stored in the freezer, where it will thicken.

Recipe from The Gourmand’s Lemon: A Collection of Stories and Recipes (Taschen, £40)

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