Limoncello

 

This is very easy to make and is so delicious, especially when you serve it from the freezer. I don't make it very often, but when I do, I always ask myself, why do I buy store-bought? I should make my own more often! 

Note that the amount of sugar and water is a ball park. You may want it sweeter or stronger. Start with the measurements I have and set aside 1/2 cup of the simple syrup. Taste and add more if needed.

Ingredients:

1 empty (extra) 1.5 liter bottle

15-16 lemons

1.75 liter bottle of vodka (Many recipes call for grain alcohol. If you do, you may need to add more simple syrup, as I found the grain alcohol too strong) 

3 cups of sugar
3.5 cups of water

Directions:

Wash the lemons to remove any residue. Dry the lemons and remove the zest with a potato peeler. Make sure you remove any pith.
 
Divide the alcohol and zest into two bottles. Screw the caps on and store the bottles at room temperature in a cabinet. Let it sit for about 2 weeks or up to a month. Every couple of days, shake the bottles to mix the ingredients.

When ready, combine the sugar and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook until it thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Let the sugar syrup cool completely.  
 
Using a strainer (some will use a coffee filter), pour the vodka mixture into the cooled sugar syrup. 

Pour the completed mixture into bottles using a funnel.
 
Place one bottle back in the cabinet; the other into the freezer. It's ready to serve once it's completely chilled. 

 Enjoy!

Boozy Frosé

 My friend Sav made these oh-so delicious frozen drinks (July 2020). She followed this recipe: Recipe from: https://iowagirleats.com/boozy-frose/

Serves 4
 
 
1 bottle rosé wine (the darker the color the better)
1/4 cup vodka
4-6 Tablespoons strawberry simple syrup
 

For the strawberry simple syrup:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped strawberries
 
Pour the wine into a gallon ziplock bag set inside a dish then freeze overnight (wine doesn't freeze solid so don't be concerned if yours is a little slushy.)

For the strawberry simple syrup: 

Combine water and sugar in a mason jar then microwave until boiling, 1-1/2 minutes. Stir until sugar dissolves then add strawberries and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into another jar or measuring cup then discard strawberries.
 
Add wine, vodka, and strawberry simple syrup (start with 4 Tablespoons then add more if you like) to a blender then blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
 

Limoncello Cream

The area of Naples and the Amalfi coast in Italy is known for its lemon trees and the liquor Limoncello and Crema di Limoncello. My husband's cousin from Naples gave me her family recipe for the Crema di Limoncello when we visited family in Naples in May 1998. This is a delicious frozen liquor drink, which is wonderful to sip on a hot summer's day, or any day.

Also, further down is a recipe for Limoncello. You can purchase this liquor throughout Naples and the Amalfi coast. The glass bottles are beautifully decorated and make for a nice souvenir. Enjoy!

Crema di Limoncello

Zest of 8 Lemons
1 liter of grain alcohol
3-1/2 cups of sugar
2 liters milk
A large container

Wash and dry lemons. Zest the lemons, making sure to remove the pith. Add the zest to a large container and add the vodka. Store the bottle at room temperature for 1 week.

In a large pot, combine the sugar and milk. Bring it almost to a boil, making sure the sugar has dissolved.

Let this mixture cool completely.

As you add the vodka mixture, use a strainer to catch the zest. Pour the completed mixture into bottles.

Store the bottle in freezer. Serve chilled.


Monica's Crema di Limoncello
July 2011

After making the above recipe, I tweaked it a little. Here's my version. It's delicious!

1 Liter grain alcohol
7 Lemons, washed and dried
3 Cups sugar
1 quart plus 20 oz. half & half cream

Zest the lemons and place in a large container with the alcohol. Let sit for 2 weeks.

In a large pot, add the sugar and cream. Heat until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Let this mixture cool completely. Add the lemon/alcohol mixture into the pot using a strainer (sitting on top of a large pot) to catch the zest. Pour mixture into 2 bottles.

Store in freezer. Serve chilled.