Cocktail Hour: DIY Limoncello
I think spring cocktails can be confusing. It’s not yet time to bust out the basil and mint, but maybe you, like me, want something a little more fun and fizzy than a glass of wine. As the temperatures begin to rise ever so slightly, I suppose the most you can ask from your cocktail is that it suggest warmer days. This homemade limoncello is just the right sort of thing.
The first time I had limoncello was in a gilded, rococo-style restaurant in a villa outside Florence. And I know that sounds like the beginning of a story a baroness would tell, but it’s the truth. I was on study abroad, and my dad and stepmother had come to visit me and spoil me rotten. I remember feeling quite proud at dinner; my Italian was finally getting passable, so I selected the wine, and posed as a language conduit between my parents and the deft, tucked-in servers. At dessert, our waiter — a cute, young, sweet sort of Italian boy — described limoncello to us. It sounded irresistible, and tasted even better: sweet, tart, puckery, fresh. And then, when this charming waiter smiled at the end of the meal and called my accent flawless, well, I was pretty much over the moon that night.
This homemade version is sweet and a perfect foil to spicy, salty snacks. Bottoms up!
Limoncello
makes about 4 cups (and a lot of drinks)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 10-12 lemons
1 1/2 cup vodka
club soda
In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Let cool, then pour into a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice and vodka. Serve over and ice and top with club soda.
Note: Commenter Ben pointed out this isn’t really limoncello, which is made from steeping vodka with the lemon rinds, rather than the juice. I probably should have called this Super Lazy Instant Gratification Limoncello. In any event, if you’re interested in checking out the real deal, Ben’s blog, LimoncelloQuest is a must-see.
EB: The fact that it is going to be HOT …. actually HOT in San Francisco this weekend (a rare occurrence) makes this more timely than you know.2 years ago
Sarah: Alright! You are in for some delicious fun!2 years ago
kat: Limoncello is truly a drink of the gods. My first taste was at an italian restaurant in Nice, France.2 years ago
Kat: THIS will be served at my next cook out! Thanks
2 years ago
Miranda M.: Faaanntastic! I made Limoncello a few years ago and patiently waited for a taste as the lemon rinds soaked in the vodka for a week or two. I prefer this version. Instant gratification!
FYI, it makes a wonderful gift: corked in those Italian olive oil bottles with a tag saying ‘Cin Cin!’2 years ago
Anita: Bad girl, bad girl…spiking lemonaide.
Darn, where did I put that bottle of vodlka???2 years ago
Ben: While that recipe sounds good, it isn’t limoncello really. Limoncello is made from the zest of the lemon, not the juice, and the result will be very different. I have a whole blog about homemade limoncello at limoncelloquest.com. Check it out, it’s not a lot harder to do it the authentic way (though it is much slower).2 years ago
Sarah: Kat, drinking limoncello in Nice sounds like some kind of heaven.
Miranda, Brilliant! Yes, this would make a super gift.
Anita, Well, Sebastian is always telling me booze is “adult medicine” so think of it as medicinal!
Ben, Yes, I probably should have called this “Sweet, Lemony Vodka for Impatient People” but it didn’t have the same ring to it.
2 years ago
Sarah: I took your suggestion and made this yesterday - a sunny Sunday afternoon…delicious! Thank you!2 years ago
Super Zoe: Yummy, regardless! Just moved into a house with a patio - we will test this recipe this weekend.
PS: Be quiet, Ben. It’s the SPIRIT of limoncello that matters! Molto Bene!2 years ago
Sara Rose: If you need one of those cocktails that just leave you at that point thats just a tad beyond tipsy/glowy- limonecello lends itself well to gin and tonics- honest to goodness. Gin and tonics or gin fizzes are some of my fave cocktails.2 years ago
amyp: I made a small batch last weekend and my husband and I loved it! I will definitely take this to my next party.2 years ago
Dot: It may not be the ‘real’ limonecello, but it sounds easy and yummy! Will have to try it!
dot2 years ago