Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Homemade limoncello in a bottle and glass on a black table.

Homemade Limoncello Liqueur with Vodka

By Tammy Spencer
Homemade limoncello is surprisingly simple, and its bright, fresh lemon flavor is worth the wait. With just four ingredients and a little patience, you'll have a smooth, bright Italian liqueur that's perfect for sipping ice cold, mixing into cocktails, or adding a bright citrus twist to desserts!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time10 minutes
Resting Time14 days
Total Time14 days 10 minutes
Servings: 32 1-ounce shots
Calories: 30kcal

Special Equipment

Ingredients

For the base

  • 6 (6) lemons, see Recipe Notes
  • 1 bottle (750 milliliters) vodka, or another grain alcohol, see Recipe Notes

For the simple syrup

  • 1 cup (237 grams) water
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Make the base: Wash 6 lemons, then cut away the outer rind with a peeler. Try to avoid getting any of the white part (pith). Cut away any pith that ends up on the peels if you cut too deeply.
  • Transfer the peels to a quart mason jar and pour 1 bottle vodka over them. Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place (the back of the pantry is good).
  • Let the jar sit for 1 to 2 weeks, shaking daily. The longer it sits, the more flavor is infused into the vodka. 1 week works, 2 weeks gives fuller flavor, and longer can deepen the lemon flavor (but really isn’t necessary). Generally speaking, when the peels lose their color, the infusion is ready.
  • Strain the limoncello base through a fine mesh strainer, squeezing the zest to get as much of the liquid as possible.
  • Add the simple syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally as the sugar dissolves. Cool the syrup to room temperature (but on the warm side).
  • Add the slightly warm simple syrup to the limoncello base and stir until it's combined. The limoncello will be cloudy.
  • Using a funnel, pour the liqueur into a sealable glass bottle.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy. Limoncello is intensely lemony and sweet, and a little goes a long way!
  • This recipe makes about 1 quart of limoncello.
  • Storage instructions: You can store the limoncello in the freezer in a warmer area (like in the door). Alternatively, keep it chilled in the refrigerator. The flavor continues to mellow and blend after bottling, so many people find homemade limoncello tastes even better after another week in the refrigerator or freezer.
    It should last for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes

Not to waste anything, you can juice the zested lemons and save it for another use, like a Limoncello Rye Sour cocktail.
Use a vodka you like to drink. You can also try infusing a different type of grain alcohol, like gin or bourbon, for a different flavor profile.
You can use this infusion technique to make other types of flavored vodkas. Try it with pineapple, grapefruit zest, or cucumbers, for example.

Nutrition

Serving: 11-ounce shots | Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg