So, my first attempt at making Limoncello is half way through the process. I read through many, many recipes and reviews and settled on one that I thought I'd try. Tough decisions: to use 100 proof, grain alcohol, or everclear! I settled on 100 proof absolut. Then, how much sugar to add to make the simple syrup. Heard too many people say that results were too sweet so I chose a 3/1 ratio of water/sugar. Oh, and I added some of the juice from a lemon to get a more lemony flavor. So many recommended using organic lemons, but the only ones I could find were in Stop and Shop and some in the bag were moldy. Ended up with lemons from Expect!
Today I add the simple syrup to the vodka/lemon blend, will let it "brew" for another few weeks and keep my fingers crossed. Keep you posted!
1 750 bottle of 100 proof vodka (absolut)
10 lemons
6 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 large glass jar with stopper/tight lid
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peels, being careful not to take any of the white pith. Add to large glass jar. Pour vodka over peels and store in cool, dark place (winter has it's advantages!) Swirl the mixture often. After the lemon oils have done their thing, strain liquid. Boil the water, add sugar and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cool completely. Add to strained liquid. Put this into the glass jar and store again in a cool, dark place. After 3 weeks (longer if you can) pour into smaller bottles and store in freezer.
