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How to make limoncello

Learn how to make limoncello with our easy recipe. This after-dinner digestif boasts a sharp and refreshing lemony flavour and is the perfect edible gift to make for friends and family this Christmas. Best served cold, it should be stored in the fridge.

  1. Make the sugar syrup base

    Put 200g caster sugar and 150ml water in a heavy-based pan and bring to the boil. Agitate the pan to mix – do not stir. Keep the mixture at a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes until a syrup forms. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.

    Make the sugar syrup base
  2. Prepare the lemons

    Meanwhile, use a potato peeler to peel 5 lemons in 1 or 2 long strips. Squeeze the juice from each lemon into a jug.

    Prepare the lemons
  3. Mix the lemons with the vodka

    Add the juice and rind to the cooled syrup and mix well. Add 600ml vodka and mix again. Allow to cool completely in the pan, stirring occasionally.

    Mix the lemons with the vodka
  4. Bottle the limoncello

    Once totally cooled, strain the vodka into a large jug, capturing the peel in a sieve. Poke all the peel into a 1 litre bottle, then place a funnel in the top and pour in the lemon vodka. The rind adds colour and will add to the intensity of the flavour.

    Bottle the limoncello
  5. Prepare gift

    Close the bottle and, if giving as a gift, decorate with tags and ribbons. 

  6. Ingredients

    You need just three ingredients to make a batch of this refreshing limoncello. Don't forget to screenshot before you go shopping!

    200g caster sugar
    5 lemons
    600ml vodka

    Serves 20

    Each serving contains

    • Energy

      495kj
      119kcal
      6%
    • Fat

      0g 0%
    • Saturates

      0g 0%
    • Sugars

      11g 12%
    • Salt

      0g 0%

    of the reference intake
    Carbohydrate 10.6g Protein 0g Fibre 0g