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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Meyer Limoncello


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I adore Limoncello.  I’ve use it in recipes here and there.  With the Meyer Lemon in peak season now, I can’t help it but to make my own Meyer Limoncello.  (note: this post was written a couple months ago and didn't have a chance to publish until now, sorry for the delay!  I hope you still see Meyer lemons around as I do get them all year round from my In-Law's garden)  It’s also a recipe some of you, my dear readers, have requested.  So, here we go.  If you’re not familiar with Limoncello, it’s an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy, especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri.  Limoncello is the second most popular liqueur in Italy but has recently become popular in other parts of the world too.

Traditionally, it is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, that are also known as Sorrento lemons.  Lemon zest, or peels without the pith, are steeped in grain alcohol until the oil is released. The resulting yellow liquid is then mixed with simple syrup.  Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif.  Limoncello imparts a strong lemon flavor without the sourness or bitterness of lemon juice.  I say, they are sweet enough to be considered as a dessert beverage.

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Aren’t these Meyer Lemons beautiful?  They are straight from my In-Law’s garden.  I’m such a lucky girl to get these gorgeous citrus almost year-round.  I love the sweeter and floral aroma in the Meyer lemons that you won’t find from regular lemons.

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Besides using the Limoncello in baking and cooking, they are just as wonderful when chilled or served over ice.  So, cheers, my friends.  The Meyer Limoncello is definitely a sweet treat after a meal. 

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Here’s how I made it.  First, wash and pad dry the Meyer lemons. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use).  Also, please use organic and un-wax Meyer lemons because we're using the peels.

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Using a small spoon, scrape away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith.  See the difference on the peel below?  I purposely scraped half of the peel so you can see the white pith and how it should look after scraping.

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Place the lemon peels in a pitcher, at least 2-quart in capacity.

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Pour the vodka over the peels and cover pitcher with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.

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When 4 days are up, in a medium saucepan, stir the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool completely.

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Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let it stand at room temperature overnight.

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Strain the Meyer limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels.

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Transfer the Meyer limoncello to sealed bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.

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I love the natural yellow color from the Meyer Lemon peels.  The aroma is amazing after just a few days of steeping and the peel definitely releases all the goodness into the liqueur.  What’s the benefit of making your own Meyer Limoncello?  Besides its unique aroma that you don’t get from regular lemons, it’s way cheaper to make your own.  Plus, it’s all natural without any preservative or food coloring.  That’s enough reasons for me to make another batch once I have finished this batch.  Winking smile

Meyer Limoncello
 


Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.
 





Meyer Limoncello: (Printable Recipe)

10 Meyer lemons
1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
3 1/2 cups water
2 cups sugar

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small spoon, scrape away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith.

Place the lemon peels in a pitcher, at least 2-quart capacity. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover pitcher with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.

When 4 days are up, in a medium saucepan, stir the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let it stand at room temperature overnight.

Strain the Meyer limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the Meyer limoncello to sealed bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.









77 comments:

  1. I love a good dash of Limoncello after dinner or to spice up a glass of prosecco, yours looks great!

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    1. hm...limoncello with prosecco is one of my favorite way to enjoy limoncello too! I can use a little bubbly any time. :)

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  2. I have never tasted Limoncello and I sure would love to try yours! (If only I could). I feel so thirsty just by looking at the drinks in your photos - they are that good!

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    1. Thank you. oh...I wish I can send some over the internet. :P It's very refreshing and I always have it on hand. It's great as is or mix with other for a cocktail.

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  3. I tried making limoncello the first year we moved here, but used real grain alcohol (EverClear) instead of vodka. Holy Harsh Batman! I should really give it another try using a more mellow vodka - I just love the idea of a lemony digestif!

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    1. Oh....the grain alcohol really is too harsh for this limoncello. I hope you'll give this recipe a try with vodka. I'm sure you'll love it much better. :)

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  4. How lovely! Limoncello is truly delicious. I never thought of making my own. Thank you for sharing all of these photographs. I wish I could have some now!

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    1. :) Thank you, Monet. Yes, limoncello is refreshing and delicious. I always have some in my fridge.

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  5. Wow I didn't know that you could make lemoncello at home and it seems quite easy :) I'm definitely book marking this recipe and giving it a go ~

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    1. OH yeah, it's so simple to make and I love that I know what ingredients are going into the mix. :) Let me know how it goes if you try the recipe.

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  6. I just love limoncello too and your post reminds me of the limoncello class that my mother and I took in Italy last fall. Your photos are awesome as always and your instructions are perfect! Using Meyer lemons is such a great idea!

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    1. Oh...I envy you that you had a chance to take a class in Italy with your Mom. That's priceless. :)

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  7. Oh, I do love limoncello but have never tried making my own before. This looks delicious!

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    1. Thank you, Trishie. I love homemade version, simple and refreshing and I can make it a little less sweet than the store bought ones. :)

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  8. Ah, it makes sense that you wrote this a few months ago - its so hard to find meyer lemons now, and the skins don't have that thin orange look even if you do! This sounds delicious.

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    1. Yeah, wish I had posted this sooner. But I do get the Meyer Lemons pretty much all year round. I guess it depends on the location.

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  9. Hey Amy; Thank-You so much for your Recipe. I am keeping this, and I will make it ASAP.
    Again, Thank-You so much. :-)

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    1. You're very welcome, Sunny. I'm glad you like to try this recipe. Let me know how it turn out after you tried. I'm making another batch soon too.

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  10. I'm always curious about limoncello (and have one at home unopened) but as I'm not much of a drinker, I never thought of making it from scratch at home. I'm surprised to see how "relatively" easy to make and I love how fresh beautiful color of meyer lemons you used! I don't have any meyer lemons anymore but enjoyed some this winter. This looks really delicious!

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    1. Oh...your bottle of limoncello at home can be used in baking as well, especially if you don't really drink. The cooking process will cook out most of the alcohol. :) Yeah, I'm a lucky girl who gets fresh Meyer lemons from my In-Law's garden all the time. I make tea with them almost every day.

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  11. What stunning Meyer lemons and your Meyer lemon Limoncello looks amazing! I bet it would pair well with a slice of ballotine on a warm summer night! I've got to ty this..IF, I can get my hands on some Meyer lemons. Tough to find around here no matter what time of year, which is odd since I live in NYC metro!

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. Oh, I bet it would be lovely with ballotine! I gotta make another batch of limoncello first, then prepare your ballotine recipe. ;) Will tell you how it goes.

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  12. What a special treats to get fresh meyer lemons even with the leaves still on. I love limoncello. Whenever I have a little cup straight up it reminds me of sitting in Italy in the coffee shops as we stopped around 4pm just take a nice rest and relax. It is quite strong so just one is all you really need but it is so bright and sweet to end a busy day. Take care, BAM

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    1. Thank you, Bam. Oh yeah. I'm one lucky girl who gets fresh Meyer Lemons and other fruit from my In-Law's garden all the time. :) I agree, one small shot is definitely enough. It's so refreshing and it's the perfect way to relax and unwind the day.

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    1. Thanks, Angie. :) Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  14. Love limoncello and how easy it is to make. Have never used meyers for it before. Sounds amazing,

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne. Yes, Meyer Lemons are amazing here. I love the subtle floral tone from the Meyer Lemons that is not avalilable from regular lemons

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  15. Those lemons from your in-laws garden...!!!
    Make it a great day girl :)

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    1. I know, right? I love those bright and sunny lemons! :) Cheers!

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  16. Your limoncello looks and sounds fantastic! I do quite a lot of infused alcohols, mostly in the summer. I have never had a chance to taste Meyer lemons, but I have read so many enthusiastic descriptions, I hope maybe one day...

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    1. Oh...wish I can share some of these Meyer Lemons with you. They are divine. If you ever see some at the market, give them a try and I'm sure you'll love them. :)

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  17. You're clearly a woman after my own heart, because I have a batch of meyer limoncello and another of just ordinary lemon limoncello in my kitchen cupboard right now! So beautiful and delicious. :)

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    1. Oh, I agree. I love both versions! Because I usually only get fresh Meyer lemons, that's the type I make more often.

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  18. idk what happened to my comment :( anyhow, I had no idea this was this simple to make...sounds summery and refreshing and I like that you pointed out the bit about scraping off any excess pith.

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like the recipe. Yeah, it's surprisingly simple to make and definitely refreshing and delicious. Cheers! Wish you a wonderful week.

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  19. Lovely,and you make it sound so simple to make. I love lemony things and this has so many possible uses!

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    1. Thanks, Monica. This Meyer Limoncello is really simple to prepare. :) OH yeah, I use this in baking a lot and they are a great base for cocktails too.

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  20. I really need to make my own limoncello sometime! I love the stuff! OK, I love anything lemon, I must admit. Really nice making it with Meyer lemons. Good stuff - thanks.

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    1. Thank you. Oh, if you love limoncello, you're going to love this recipe even more. The Meyer lemons really give this a floral tone that regular lemons don't have. :) Really yummy stuff!

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  21. It looks fantastic. It´s the first time we visit your blog and we like it very much.
    Photos are beautiful. We hope you take a look at ours.
    Thank you so much.

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Laurel. I love your beautiful blog and the wonderful recipes that you shared. I'll sure be back often. :)

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  22. I love limoncello and contine to be a big fan Amy!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne. Always nice to read your comment. :) This Meyer Limoncello is so good. Wish I can share a bottle with you.

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  24. I love limoncello too. This looks so wonderful. Great posts and pictures.

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    1. Thank you so much. I'm glad you love limoncello too. Seems like we have quite a few limoncello out there. :)

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  25. What a marvelous twist on limoncello! I've made it twice, but next time it will be with Meyer lemons...YUM!

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    1. Thank you, Liz. Oh yeah. You're going to love the Meyer version as the zest has a nice floral ton. You're going to love it.

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  26. Such beautiful lemons! I have a lemon tree in my backyard but they're certainly not as beautiful as these.

    Thanks for sharing such a great recipe. I love limoncello and it's such a tasty ingredient for baking.

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    1. Thank you, Stephanie. :) Maybe your tree is a different type of lemon from these? I love the orange tone from these Meyer Lemons zest. So fragrant. Yes, the limoncello is wonderful to bake with. :)

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  27. this is gorgeous! the colour of those lemons are just stunning!

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    1. Thank you, Shu. Yeah, the color is amazing.

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  28. If anything could make me love limoncello, it's definitely meyer lemons!!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. Yeah, the Meyer Lemons are amazing.

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  29. I've only made Limoncello once and I loved it. I can only imagine how wonderful it is made with Meyer lemons! I haven't seen any here yet :(

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    1. Oh yeah, you're going to love the Meyer version. :) The Meyer Lemons are in season in the winter (normally). But I do get them all year around here in CA.

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  30. That looks so refreshing Amy. And you used the good lemons too. I bet it tastes way better than any limoncello out there on the market because it's homemade. Beautiful photos as always, great post!

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    1. Thank you, Anne. Yes, the Meyer lemons makes it so much better. If you got some on hand, gotta try this out. ;)

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  31. I don't drink but if I did, I wold choose this! Love the color and lucky you to have such an abundant supply of Meyer lemons! I miss my tree in Texas :(

    Nazneen

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    1. Thank you, Nazneed. I agree, I wish I have a tree in my yard too. But at least, I don't have to drive too far for fresh ones. :P What recipes do you make when you had your lemon tree?

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  32. My dad LOVES Limoncello and has made his own before. I will have to tell him about this!

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I'm glad he would love this Meyer version too. :)

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  33. Limoncello is one of the very few alcoholic beverage that I'll happily drink plain. It's like liquid lemon candy, with a kick! It is such a splurge though, which is why homemade is the only way to go.

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    1. Liquid lemon candy with a kick is right on with the description for limoncello! :) I'm glad you like it too. Oh yeah, it's way cheaper when it's homemade.

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  34. Love limoncello, but I've never made my own. Even though I have lemon trees in my back yard. :)

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    1. :P If you love limoncello, give it a try. It's rather simple to make and I'm sure you'll love it.

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  35. Hola Amy, muy buena la receta del limoncello, gracias por ella, yo la he tomado en Italia y me gusto mucho,,,,, que suerte tener una suegra que tenga limoneros y tener limones frescos cuando quieras!!!! pasa un buen fin de semana

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    1. Gracias youso mucho. Estoy de acuerdo, es muy agradable tener limones frescos para su uso. :) Me alegro de que te amo demasiado limoncello. Y me gustaría visitar Italia algún día ....

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  36. So cool, I would LOVE to make my own! I love the pictures, I can smell the lemons from here :P

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    1. Oh yeah...the house was smelling so great when I prepare the peels. :) The best "perfume" I've ever put on myself! hahaha...

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    1. Thank you, Abbe. It was....so good. And I already need to make another batch! :P

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  38. I've never made this before but yours looks great!

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    1. It's easy to make and definitely tastes great. ;) Have a good weekend.

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  39. Hi Amy, thanks for sharing this limoncello recipe. I love this. Excellent click. Regards.

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. Glad you like this recipe. It was delicious. :P

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