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Alton Brown Limoncello Recipe

Alton Brown Limoncello Recipe

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.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Inactive: 8 days
Total Time: 8 days 48 minutes
Servings: 36 people
Calories: 46kcal

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.
Keyword: Alton Brown's Limoncello Recipe