How is Limoncello made?
Immediately after the harvest, which happens between spring and autumn, the lemons, fresh and still rich in their essential oils, are washed with a solution apt to eliminate any dust and soil. The lemons are then peeled by hand or machine, making sure to takeonly the yellow part, the richest in essential natural oils.
The peels are then macerated in 90° alcohol for at least 36 hours, and then discarded. The resulting liquor is mixed with a syrup made with water and sugar to get to the desired final gradation. Lastly, the Limoncello is bottled in rigorously clear glass bottles.
Limoncello has to have a deep, opalescent yellow hue, with a tendency to become clearer with time (because of light exposure).
How do you drink Limoncello?
Limoncello is served very cold in glasses that have been kept in the freezer for a few hours. It is possible to preserve Limoncello in the freezer because the sugar in it keeps it from freezing (the bottle doesn’t risk breaking).
How to make Limoncello at home
Making a great Limoncello at home is very easy. Use a vegetable peeler to get the yellow part of the rind (you will need about 30 grams for every 100ml of food safe 95° alcohol). Let the peels macerate in the alcohol for three days in the dark, in a hermetically sealed glass jar, then filter the resulting liquor and add the syrup made with 100ml water and 80ml granulated sugar. A two or three-week rest will make the aromas develop nicely.
Keep in mind that it’s essential to use unsprayed lemons that have been freshly harvested in the cooler morning hours.
Find out what makes our Limoncello di Santo Stefano so special.
Very simple recipes with Limoncello
A few teaspoons of Limoncello can be added to panna cotta, fruit salads or custard, to give an intense aroma of lemon without the typical citrus acidity.
How do you make a Limoncello tiramisù?
In its freshest and most aromatic version of this classic Italian dessert, you only need to dip the ladyfingers in a solution made with Limoncello and water (instead of coffee), and to add a few tablespoons of Limoncello to the mascarpone cream. Lace with fresh strawberries and enjoy!
With Limoncello you can make a simple, refreshing and very pleasant drink: just add a splash of Limoncello to a glass of sparkling dry white wine (like prosecco), ice and basil leaves.
