How Do You Make Homemade Limoncello?

Have you tried this refreshing summer beverage? You haven’t! Today I’m sharing with you How do you make homemade limoncello! It’s so easy!

I love sharing family recipes! Especially this tasty one! My homemade limoncello recipe has been in our family for generations. If you’ve ever wondered How You Make Homemade Limoncello? This post is just for you.

I hope that you may are inspired to make it for your next family gathering. 

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made in the southern part of Italy. Lemons are squeezed for the juice, then the zest of the lemons, and sugar are added along with grain alcohol such as vodka. Served chilled as a sipping beverage or added to a cocktail, Limoncello is a refreshing and delicious lemon beverage.

Where did Limoncello originate?

Limoncello originated in Sorrento and Capri Italy. Sipping limoncello after a meal is considered a pleasing digestive. Made from the zest of lemons which are widely grown in the southern portion of Italy.

My family history of making limoncello

Did your grandparents leave you with a lasting memory? Better yet, did they leave you with a recipe that could be called ‘liquid gold’? Ours sure did! Read on for more.

Early on I must confess, Limoncello wasn’t high on my list of preferred beverages.  As a matter of fact, I’d pretty much pass it up every time it was offered.

I remember visiting family in Italy, and politely shaking my head with a ‘no thank you’, as we all sat gathered around the table. 

(If you’re Italian, you know refusing food or beverages isn’t really a thing that is accepted easily! )

It wasn’t until I started sipping and tasting the batches of homemade limoncello that my dad, brother, and son would make, that I acquired a taste for it.

I’ve since learned. Never pass up an opportunity to sip a glass of this deliciousness. Especially if the deliciousness is homemade Limoncello.

How is limoncello made?

Step-by-step instructions

• First, thoroughly wash and dry your lemons. We made an extra-large batch using 160 lemons for my son’s upcoming wedding! 

• Second, start peeling the lemons, being careful not to get any pith.
• This step takes some time but the finished product will be worth it.

• Separate the lemons into two bowls. Lemons that are ready for squeezing and lemons that need to be peeled.

I love this girl! The bride-to-be! My son is one lucky guy. 

• If you are making with a group of friends, creating an assembly line will make the process go quicker.

Many hands make light work! 

• One station for squeezing and one station for adding the peels to the vat.

My sweet husband was the ‘official’ squeezer! 160 lemons and he is still smiling! 

• Once the lemons are peeled, it’s time to add them to the large glass vat! This one is similar to the one we used. 

• Add the peels to the vat or beverage dispenser.

The scent in the house smells amazing! 

• Up next, add the vodka to the lemon peels. The lemon and vodka will need to infuse for 3 to 4 weeks. 
• Once 4 weeks have passed, drain out the lemon juice and put it into a fresh dispenser.
• Remove all of the lemon peels from the vodka
• After 3 to 4 weeks, heat water and sugar to dissolve into a simple syrup
• Allow sugar water to cool slightly
• Lastly, combine sugar water and vodka
• Chill to serve

Homemade Limoncello Recipe

Shop Supplies Here

What to do with all the lemon juice? For more recipe ideas click here or this lemon cake.

I’m so thankful and grateful to my parents and grandparents for instilling in us this, and many other traditions!

Together with my son, my brother has carried on the tradition of making homemade limoncello.

This summer we will be making another large batch for our annual bocce party. Read more about it here.  If you love a refreshing summer beverage using Limoncello, you’ll love this.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!