Jul 09 2026

Limoncello Recipe

Time20m
Serves20

Make Limoncello Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Optional Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Zesting the Lemons

    Using a vegetable peeler or a microplane, zest the lemons carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. You should have about 2 cups of lemon zest.

  2. 2

    Juicing the Lemons

    After zesting, cut the lemons in half and juice them, discarding the seeds. You should have around 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice.

Infusing the Vodka

  1. 3

    Combine Zest and Vodka

    In a large glass jar or container, combine the lemon zest with the vodka. Seal tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 1 to 2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.

Making the Syrup

  1. 4

    Prepare Sugar Syrup

    In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool.

Final Steps

  1. 5

    Strain the Infusion

    After 1 to 2 weeks, strain the lemon-infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding the lemon zest.

  2. 6

    Combine with Syrup

    Mix the strained vodka with the prepared sugar syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup if desired.

  3. 7

    Bottle and Chill

    Transfer the limoncello into clean bottles. Seal tightly and refrigerate. Allow it to chill for at least 24 hours before serving.

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