Limoncello (Italian Lemoncello) or Orangecello

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 3

How to make Limoncello or Orangecello at home

Limoncello (Italian Lemoncello) or Orangecello

by The Chefin Drink

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

7 days

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	15 lemons
	2 bottles vodka , high quality ( do not use flavored vodka like Smirnoff twist )
	4 cups sugar or 4 cups Splenda sugar substitute
	5 cups water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

138

Sugar

17g

Fat

Limoncello/orangecello is a popular Italian liqueur that is made by infusing lemon/orange zest with vodka and sweetening the mixture with sugar syrup. The result is a refreshing, slightly sweet drink that is typically served as an after-dinner digestif. While limoncello/orangecello is commonly enjoyed in Italy and other parts of Europe, it can be difficult to find in other parts of the world. Fortunately, it is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.

Instructions

1.	Wash the lemons or oranges thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or residue.
2.	Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the zest (the outer skin of the lemon/orange) from each lemon/orange, being careful to avoid the white pith underneath.
3.	In a large glass jar, combine the vodka and lemon/orange zest. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently to mix.
4.	Place the jar in a cool, dark place for at least one week, shaking or stirring the mixture every few days.
5.	After one week, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
6.	Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
7.	Strain the vodka mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the zest. Discard the zest.
8.	Add the simple syrup to the vodka and stir to mix well.
9.	Pour the finished limoncello/orangecello into sterilized bottles and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

PROS

This refreshing beverage makes a great after-dinner drink or gift for friends and family.

The homemade version is free of preservatives and other additives.

Limoncello/orangecello is a traditional Italian drink that is easy to make at home.

CONS

Because it is made with vodka and sugar, this drink is high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation.

The long wait time during the infusing process means that you’ll need to plan ahead to have this drink ready when you need it.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While limoncello/orangecello is not particularly healthy, the lemons/oranges used in the recipe are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
The alcohol content in limoncello/orangecello may also have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease in moderation.