Spring is upon us and with everyone’s spring break tans, we need a splashy new spring drink to match! Opt out of fadorade and spiked slurpees for something a little more sophisticated while you soak up the rare Oregon sunshine. This Limoncello tastes like adult lemonade and works great as a present for just about anyone.
Photo by Savannah Carter
Prep Time: 30 min.
Inactive: 4 hrs.
Cook Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 1-5 days
Servings: 7 cups
Ingredients:
10 lemons
1 (750-ml bottle vodka, which is a fifth)
3-5 cups lemon juice
2 cups sugar
Directions:
1. Peel lemons into big pieces (you’re going to soak the peel)
Photo by Savannah Carter
Tip: As you peel, remove the white part (called the pith; if not removed, the limoncello will be very bitter.)
2. Let the lemon peels steep in the entire fifth of vodka for about four days.
Tip: It is possible to shorten this time but your final product may not be as lemon-y as you would like.
Photo by Savannah Carter
3. Take the lemons you’ve already peeled and juice them. The juice should fill about 3.5 cups. Tip: Make sure you strain the juice a few times, otherwise the pulp will make it more bitter. If you aren’t quite at 3.5 cups of lemon juice feel free to top it off with water.
Photo by Savannah Carter
Photo by Savannah Carter
4. On medium heat, dissolve 2 cups of sugar into your lemon juice. When the mixture doesn’t feel grainy anymore from the sugar it’s ready.
Photo by Savannah Carter
Tip: Do not pour the mixture in hot! Let it cool to room temperature.
5. Add this mixture to your lemon peels and vodka and let steep for one day. You can use mason jars, a glass bottle you have saved, or one you bought online.
Photo by Savannah Carter
6. Stick it in the freezer or fridge.
Tip: It will keep for about a month but if you keep it in the freezer it may keep for a little longer.
Tastes great on its own, in a drink, or even on ice-cream.