Thirsty Thrursday... Homemade Limoncello

I have been obsessed with Limoncello since the first time I saw the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.

Then Rachael Ray was always talking about how her Mom loves it.

I just had to try it.

I was so excited the first time I found it.

It was rather expensive , but I had to have it.

Disappointment.

It was VERY syrupy and not very lemony, not at all what it looked like in the movie.

Then I stumbled upon this recipe while stalking reading one of my favorite blogs , A Beach Cottage.

First you wash 10 lemons.

 I got lucky one day and found a bag of 10 at Walmart for $2.50.

Mine were not organic, so I soaked them for a bit in water, then scrubbed them really well.

Then I peeled them all.

How you do this is up to you.

 You just want to get the peel not the white pith ( that would make it bitter).

I used a ridiculously expensive veggie peeler I bought from my niece when she was trying to make money in college.

(I really do try to be a good aunt...)

I tried a paring knife first , but I felt I was getting to much of the white.

Evidentally , my knives are all dull ....

Put all the lemon peel in a glass jar  that you can seal and cover with 3 cups of vodka.

Again , your choice of brand.

I used cheap stuff.

You will be left with a bunch of naked lemons.

I made lemonade with mine.

My family LOVES fresh squeezed lemonade.

I've also read ( at A Beach Cottage, I think ) that you can slice and freeze them.

I have not tried this, but it sounds like a great idea.

Anywhoo...

Let the lemons and vodka sit for a week or a little longer.

This makes the best lemon vodka EVER !

Anywhoo.... (again)

Once they have steeped long enough and you are ready to make your limoncello,

put 3 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down and add 3 cups of sugar.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved and becomes a thin syrup.

Strain the vodka into a bowl.

Add the simple syrup.

I stirred mine gently together with a whisk.

Then I poured it into recycled wine bottles ( I always seem to have plenty , hmm..)

Now I don't have a funnel and I thought it would pour just fine from my bowl.

I was wrong.

And I did not want to waste one drop.

Sooo..

I put the wine bottles in the sauce pan I had used to make the syrup to catch any wayward drops.

Worked like a charm.

I ended up with the 3 full bottles and a small amount in a fourth bottle.

Now, you must let it sit for a few days to age.

I know, I know , this is the most difficult.

But really , you must.

Here is the original recipe from A Beach Cottage.

Beach Cottage Limoncello

10 lemons (unwaxed & organic are best)

3 1/2  cups white sugar ( I'm not sure why, as the instructions call for just 3 cups)

3 cups water

3 cups vodka

You really should check out this blog.

I never miss it.

There is something about looking at her beach when we are in the dead of winter that just sooths me.

Plus she ( Sarah ) is HILARIOUS !

You can drink your limoncello straight , on the rocks, very cold.

OR

I like to mix an once with an ounce of sweet tea vodka and an ounce of sour.

Shake well, and serve in a martini glass.

HEAVEN....

the possibilities are endless!

Warning - it is very sweet, if you don't care for sweet, sugary cocktails, but love lemon like I do,

just do the first step.

It's like lemon vodka sun tea !

I will defiantly have some on hand at the river this summer !

Linking this post to :

Show and Tell Friday@ My Romantic Home http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday@ At the Picket Fence http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
Pinning and Singing on the Weekend@ 5 Minutes Just for Me http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com
Potpourri Friday @ 2805 http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
Fabulous Friday @ Faith,Trust and Pixie Dust http://michellelunt.blogspot.com/
Weekend Bloggy Reading : Link Up @ Serenity Now http://www.serenitynowblog.com/