One of my favorite liqueurs in my collection is limoncello. Thick and syrupy sweet, it’s perfect drizzled on vanilla ice cream, spooned into tea, or stirred into whipped cream on top of berries.

Making your own limoncello is a perfect introduction to the world of homemade flavored alcohols and sweetened liqueurs.

This recipe makes enough for you to keep a bottle for yourself and give some away to friends.

In a clean jar combine:

• one quart of vodka
• rind (no white pith) of 4 lemons
• rind (no pith) of 2 limes

Allow this mixture to sit in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar several times to stir up the citrus zest. The alcohol is ready to be consumed when it has taken on the color of the citrus zest.

Using a coffee filter, strain the alcohol into a clean bottle, discarding the zest. This flavored alcohol may be used in place of vodka in many of your favorite drinks to impart an added citrus note. To make it into a sweet liqueur, continue on with the next step.

To further sweeten the flavored vodka, turning it into a liqueur, we will use simple syrup.

In a saucepan over medium heat combine:

• three cups water
• three cups sugar

Stir the mixture until the sugars are dissolved and the syrup is clear. Keep this sugar mixture under a boil. When the syrup looks clear, and the sugar is completely dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

In a large clear jar or bottle, combine the flavored vodka and the room temperature simple syrup. Apply a lid and shake to combine.

Variations:

• Adjust the ratio of syrup to vodka if you want something sweeter or more subtle.
• Try different types of citrus peel:(grapefruit, orange, tangerine, kumquats, bergamont, buddahs hand…) are all good options.

Happy sipping!

Jocelyn : DIY Projects
April 15th, 2006