Limoncello: More Than Just A Hangover

I have had my share of rough mornings after a night out drinking with my girlfriends.  I have never had a hangover like one time I decided it was a great idea to take a countless number of limoncello shots with my father.  My dad has been making limoncello for a few years now and has really turned me on to the flavor. Anyway, after taking four pain killers and drinking a few glasses of water, I began to realize the the error of my ways.  Liquor + sugary mixer = major headache in the morning!!  Now don't let this story steer you away from making this delicious cordial, just indulge with caution.  This is a great treat all year long, but in my house we give it away as a holiday gift.  Around November every year, our friends start asking if we have started making our limoncello yet.  Though it is possible to make a quick limoncello in about a week, we try to start our batch out at least a month or two ahead of time.  The longer the mixture sits, the more flavor and color you will get from the citrus used.  If you need a budget-friendly gift for the holidays, this is very easy to make and you can get creative with the packaging and flavor.  There are a few variations to the recipe below so make sure to play with them all and see which you enjoy more.  

Limoncello Recipe:

1   liter of vodka

12   lemons

** you can use (5) grapefruits or (8) oranges if your want to try something new

1   cup water

1   cup white sugar

1. With a zester or grater, zest all the citrus into a bowl.  Make sure to not include any of the pith.  
2. Use a funnel to combine the zest with the liquor (use the liquor bottle to store).  
3. Allow to soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks and up to 2 months.  
4. Once you have reached your desired soak time, pour the liquid through a small mesh strainer to remove all the zest.  Put liquor in a bowl for later use.
5. In a small sauce pan, combine water and sugar and cook over medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved and made a syrup.  Allow syrup to cool completely.
6. In the liquor bowl, slowly pour in the simple syrup  and lightly whisk together.  I usually add all of the simple syrup but if you want it less sweet, give things a taste after you have added half the syrup.  
7. Once the liquor has been sweetened, pour into bottles for gifts or save it all for yourself!!

How easy was that recipe?  I love making this every year and seeing what new twists I can bring to the table for my friends and family to enjoy.  An easy change to make in this recipe it to flavor the simple syrup itself.  Add a sprig of rosemary or some dried lavender to the simple syrup as you are cooking it to add a new flavor to your limoncello.  Remember to use your creativity in the kitchen for the best results.

Hmm... what should I make today?