Skip to content

Sign up and save 10% on your first order

Free delivery on orders over $125 (T&Cs apply)

My Cart

Your bag is currently empty.

GUIDE SPIRITS

Zesty Limoncello: Your Homemade Citrus Elixir

Zesty Limoncello: Your Homemade Citrus Elixir

Nonna's Legacy: The Maria Antonia Farace Story

At the heart of limoncello's tale lies a remarkable woman: Maria Antonia Farace. A charming Italian nonna, tending to her bountiful gardens on the picturesque island of Capri in the early 20th century. Maria wasn't just any gardener; her lemon and orange groves were legendary, producing fruit bursting with Mediterranean sunshine.

But Maria's true magic happened indoors. In her cosy kitchen, she lovingly crafted a secret recipe – a citrus-infused alcohol that would become the predecessor to modern liqueur. This delightful concoction wasn't just for family; Maria generously shared it with friends and guests at the local inn, spreading liquid joy throughout the community.

What started as Maria Antonia Farace's homemade treat has blossomed into a global sensation. Today, it is enjoyed far beyond the sunny shores of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. It's become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide, a must-try for tourists in Italy, and increasingly, a beloved homemade craft for enthusiasts everywhere.

 

The Lemon Lowdown: Choosing Your Star Ingredient

Ideally, you want lemons with smooth, unblemished skin as this makes them easier to peel and some of the blemished areas often contain waxes that impact flavour. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size - this usually indicates they're juicy and full of flavour.

Femminello St. Teresa lemons are the traditional choice for this liqueur if you can get your hands on them. These 'lemon hulks' are native to the Amalfi region and are prized for their thick, aromatic peels. But don't worry if you can't find these - any good quality lemon will do the trick.

Remember, the lemon peel is the star of the show here. We're after that intense, citrusy oil that lives in the zest. So, the more fragrant your lemons, the more flavourful your limoncello will be.

 

Spirited Away: Selecting Your Base Alcohol

Now, let's talk alcohol. Like most liqueurs they are made with a neutral spirit. Commercially this is made from grain or grape neutral spirit. if you distill at home you can use your neutral spirit from sugar wash. If you don't distil, a high-quality vodka works wonderfully as a substitute.

Your spirit should be at least 80% ABV (alcohol by volume). The higher the alcohol content, the more efficiently it will extract those precious lemon oils. Plus, it'll give your limoncello that signature kick that'll warm you from the inside out.

A word to the wise: this isn't the time to skimp on quality. Choose spirits you'd be happy to drink on their own. Remember, your limoncello will only be as good as the ingredients you put into it.

 

The Art of Zesting: Peeling Perfection

When it comes to prepping your fruit, the goal is to remove just the yellow part of the peel, leaving behind as much of the bitter white pith as possible. 

Pro tip: If you do end up with some pith on your peels, you can gently scrape it off with a small knife. It's worth the extra effort to avoid the added bitterness this will bring to your final product.

 

The Waiting Game: Infusion and Patience

Now comes the hardest part - waiting. Once you've combined your lemon peels with the spirit in a large, airtight jar, it's time to let nature do its thing.

At a minimum, you'll want to let this mixture steep for four days. But if you're after that authentic, intense limoncello flavour, consider leaving it for up to a month. The longer the infusion, the more pronounced the lemon flavour will be.

Store your jar in a cool, dark place, and give it a gentle shake every few days. You'll notice the alcohol gradually taking on a beautiful yellow hue - that's a sign that those lemon oils are working their magic.

 

Sweet Symphony: Balancing the Brew

We're in the home stretch now! It's time to strain your infused spirit through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove any lemon bits. Then, combine this liquid gold with a simple syrup to balance the alcoholic lemon kick with a touch of sweetness.

In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar. Heat gently, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Let this syrup cool completely before adding it to your lemon infusion.

The amount of syrup you add is really a matter of personal taste. Some like their limoncello on the sweeter side, while others prefer a more tart, lemony punch. Start with a 1:1 ratio of infused alcohol to syrup, taste, and adjust as needed.

Remember, the sweetness will mellow out a bit as the limoncello ages, so it's okay if it tastes a tad too sweet at first.

 

Bottling Bliss: The Final Touch

Now, here's where you can get creative. Why not bottle your limoncello in some beautiful, vintage-style bottles? They make great gifts (if you can bear to part with your precious brew, that is).

Limoncello is typically 30-35% ABV so you will need to dilute your mixture before your bottle it.

Make sure to sanitise your bottles before filling them. To view our range of cleaners and sanitisers, please see, here.

 

Serving Suggestions: From Freezer to Glass

Congratulations, you've done it! You're now the proud owner of your very own batch of homemade limoncello. But the journey doesn't end here - how you serve your creation is just as important as how you made it.

For the authentic Italian experience, store it in the freezer. Don't worry, the high alcohol content means it won't freeze solid. Instead, it'll develop a delightfully syrupy consistency that's perfect for sipping.

When it's time to serve, pull out your prettiest shot glasses or small liqueur glasses. Tradition dictates that limoncello should be served in chilled glasses to maintain that icy-cold temperature that makes it so refreshing.

But don't feel confined to drinking it straight. Liqueurs are incredibly versatile. Try adding a splash to sparkling water or prosecco for a refreshing summer spritz. Or use it as a flavouring in desserts - limoncello tiramisu, anyone?

The Limoncello Lifestyle: More Than Just a Drink

As you sip your homemade limoncello, remember that you're partaking in a centuries-old Italian tradition. This isn't just a drink - it's a way of life, a celebration of good times and la dolce vita.

In Italy, limoncello is often served as a digestive, an after-dinner drink to aid digestion and prolong the pleasure of a good meal. So why not adopt this custom? The next time you host a dinner party, bring out your homemade limoncello as a finale. Watch as your guests' eyes light up at the first sip, transported to sun-drenched lemon groves and quaint Italian villages.

So, are you ready to embark on your limoncello-making adventure? Try The Mad Millie equipment kit, here. If you are already distilling, try the Still Spirits Top Shelf Select Limoncello Liqueur, here.

Remember, the best Liqueur is the one shared with friends and family. So, gather your loved ones, raise a glass of your homemade elixir, and toast to good times, great flavours, and the joy of creating something truly special. Salute!

 

MYO Drinks

Helping you to make your own Great Batch from Scratch.

${ productTitle }

${ currentVariant.compare_at_price | currencyFromCents } ${ currentVariant.price | currencyFromCents }

Details

Specifications

View Full Details