By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 1, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Alton Brown is a renowned chef, author, television host, and innovator of culinary science. He has long been admired for his unique approach to cooking and entertaining with inventive recipes that make the most out of simple ingredients.
His famous limoncello recipe is no exception! This traditional Italian liqueur is made from simple ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can make an authentic limoncello at home that will be sure to impress your friends and family.
Learn how to make Alton Brown’s signature Limoncello with this straightforward guide!
What is Alton Brown’s Limoncello?
Alton Brown’s Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that is traditionally made with lemon, vodka, water, and sugar. The simplest version of this drink starts with the zest of lemons being steeped in vodka for three days.
Then a simple syrup is added to the mixture to provide sweetness. Limoncello can be enjoyed on its own, as an aperitif before a meal, or used to make cocktails.
Alton Brown’s limoncello has become widely popular for its unique twist on this classic Italian spirit. Whether you’re making it for special occasions or just for fun, Alton Brown’s Limoncello is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What does it taste like?
Alton Brown’s Limoncello has a sweet and tart flavor that is light and refreshing.
It has the perfect balance of fresh lemon zest, bright citrus notes, and sweetness from the simple syrup. The vodka adds a subtle kick to the drink that lingers on the palate.
How did I first get introduced to Alton Brown’s Limoncello?
I first got introduced to Alton Brown’s Limoncello through one of the celebrity chef’s television shows. I had heard about limoncello before, but never knew how to make it or what it tasted like. So I tuned into Alton Brown’s show and was pleasantly surprised by his simple yet delicious recipe for making an authentic limoncello.
The ingredients were easy to find and the steps to make this classic Italian liqueur were straightforward. I was amazed at how few ingredients it took to make such a flavorful drink. All I needed were lemons, vodka, water, and sugar — and Alton Brown’s recipe did the rest!
I was sold right away and decided to try making the limoncello for myself. I followed Alton Brown’s recipe and was soon able to enjoy a refreshing glass of Limoncello. It was like drinking sunshine! The bright and tangy lemon flavor with the sweetness of simple syrup was unlike any other drink I’d had before.
Since then, I’ve been hooked on limoncello and I make it regularly for special occasions. Every time I take a sip, it’s like going on vacation to Italy!
I’m glad I discovered Alton Brown’s Limoncello recipe, as it has become one of my favorite drinks to make and enjoy. Now that you know how to make this delicious liqueur, you can enjoy it too!
How to make Alton Brown’s Limoncello?
Making Alton Brown’s Limoncello is easy and straightforward. All you need are a few simple ingredients like lemons, vodka, water, and sugar. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make this classic Italian liqueur:
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Ingredients
- Lemons: This ingredient is essential for making an authentic limoncello. Choose the lemons with thick, bright yellow skins and firm flesh.
- Vodka: Vodka serves as a neutral spirit in this recipe. Try to look for 100-proof vodka as it will better extract the lemon oils from the lemons’ zest.
- Water: Water helps dilute the sugar and helps create a balanced taste.
- Sugar: Sugar provides sweetness to this limoncello. It will help balance out the tartness of the lemons. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to taste.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the lemons
Start by washing 8 to 10 lemons in warm, soapy water. Rinse them off and pat them dry with a clean cloth before zesting them.
Step 2
Add the lemon zest to the vodka
- Scrape off the yellow part of the lemon skin into a large bottle or jar using a microplane grater.
- Be sure to avoid scraping off any of the white pith as it will make your limoncello bitter.
- Fill up the bottle or jar with vodka, seal tightly, and leave in a cool, dark place for three days.
Step 3
Strain the vodka through cheesecloth
- After three days have passed, strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove any small bits of zest.
Step 4
Make a simple syrup
- Combine 2/3 cup water and 2/3 cup sugar in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool before adding it to the limoncello.
Step 5
Add the syrup to the limoncello
- Mix the limoncello and simple syrup.
- Pour into a sealable bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Step 6
Serve
- Serve your limoncello chilled or over ice.
- You can also use it as a mixer for cocktails or drizzle some over ice cream or sorbet for a sweet treat!
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make a sweeter limoncello, add more sugar to the simple syrup.
- Letting your limoncello sit for a few weeks will help it develop a richer flavor.
- If you don’t have a microplane grater, you can use a vegetable peeler or zester to get the lemon zest.
- You can also use other types of citrus fruits to make limoncello such as oranges, limes, and grapefruits.
- To give your limoncello an extra kick, try adding a few drops of orange or almond extract to the mixture before storing it in the refrigerator.
Alton Brown Limoncello Recipe
Equipment
- bottle
- funnel
- fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lemons, about 8 to 10
- 750 ml vodka, 100 proof
- 2/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the lemons Start by washing 8 to 10 lemons in warm, soapy water. Rinse them off and pat them dry with a clean cloth before zesting them.
- Add the lemon zest to the vodka Scrape off the yellow part of the lemon skin into a large bottle or jar using a microplane grater. Be sure to avoid scraping off any of the white pith as it will make your limoncello bitter. Fill up the bottle or jar with vodka, seal tightly, and leave in a cool, dark place for three days.
- Strain the vodka through cheesecloth After three days have passed, strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove any small bits of zest.
- Make a simple syrup Combine 2/3 cup water and 2/3 cup sugar in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool before adding it to the limoncello.
- Add the syrup to the limoncello Mix the limoncello and simple syrup. Pour into a sealable bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
- Serve Serve your limoncello chilled or over ice. You can also use it as a mixer for cocktails or drizzle some over ice cream or sorbet for a sweet treat!
Notes
- If you want to make a sweeter limoncello, add more sugar to the simple syrup.
- Letting your limoncello sit for a few weeks will help it develop a richer flavor.
- If you don’t have a microplane grater, you can use a vegetable peeler or zester to get the lemon zest.
- You can also use other types of citrus fruits to make limoncello such as oranges, limes, and grapefruits.
- To give your limoncello an extra kick, try adding a few drops of orange or almond extract to the mixture before storing it in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Alton Brown’s Limoncello?
Alton Brown’s Limoncello is a great addition to any dinner party or special occasion. It pairs perfectly with light Italian dishes like Caprese salad and seafood pasta. Its refreshing sweetness also makes it a perfect accompaniment for rich desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta.
For a twist on traditional limoncello, try adding it to a fruity sangria or spritzer. You can also use Alton Brown’s Limoncello as the base for a variety of cocktails like martinis and mojitos. Experiment with different flavors to create your signature drink!
For those who enjoy beer, try experimenting by mixing in some limoncello for a light and refreshing summer shandy. Whatever you choose, Alton Brown’s Limoncello is sure to bring a bright and flavorful kick to your favorite drinks!
How to store leftover Alton Brown’s Limoncello?
Leftover Alton Brown’s Limoncello is best stored in a sealable bottle or jar and kept in the refrigerator. As it contains natural citrus oils, limoncello can start to develop an off-flavor if left at room temperature for too long.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to store your limoncello in an airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator. You can also freeze Alton Brown’s Limoncello for up to six months in ice cube trays or sealable plastic bags.
This will help preserve its freshness and flavor for a longer period. Be sure to label and date your containers with the contents and freezing date so you know when it’s time to use them!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Due to its high alcohol content, pregnant women should not consume Alton Brown’s Limoncello. This is because consuming any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can have serious health risks for the baby and mother.
However, pregnant women can enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this popular liqueur by using a non-alcoholic spirit like apple juice or orange juice instead of vodka.
This version will still provide a delicious and refreshing flavor without any of the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
FAQs
Is Alton Brown’s Limoncello gluten-free?
Yes, this limoncello is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or barley.
Can I use other types of citrus fruits to make this?
Yes, you can use a variety of citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, and grapefruits to make limoncello. However, keep in mind that each type of citrus fruit will impart its own unique flavor so experiment with what you like best!
Can I adjust the sugar content?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sugar content in Alton Brown’s Limoncello to suit your taste. Simply add more or less sugar to the simple syrup as desired. Just keep in mind that adding more sugar will make for a sweeter limoncello!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Alton Brown’s Limoncello. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Italian liqueur or looking to try something new, this homemade limoncello recipe is sure to be a hit!
Remember to always use high-proof vodka and fresh lemons for best results. Adjust the sugar content according to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different types of citrus fruits for a unique flavor.
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy the deliciousness of Alton Brown’s Limoncello too!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
