Patience {Recipe: Homemade Limoncello Cocktail}

My husband can be a very patient man. For example, it has been mentioned around here a few times that I have a bit of an instant gratification issue. When I set my mind on something, I pretty much want it then. My husband, on the other hand, can window shop, online shop, research and study things and never actually pull the trigger on buying it. He seems to get as much satisfaction out of browsing as I do actually buying.

Knowing this, it may come to no surprise that I’ve been ignoring the magazine tear outs and online printouts of Limoncello recipes my husband has been leaving around the house. A cocktail recipe that takes weeks before you can even taste it? No thank you. If I want a cocktail, I want it when I want it… I don’t want to have to wait.

My husband finally gave up on waiting for me to make Limoncello. While I was gone at the EVO Conference (which was absolutely amazing, by the way) he decided to take matters into his own hands. I came home from the conference to find 2 large bottles of lemon peels marrying their flavors with vodka in our pantry. A few days later, I noticed the same bottles chilling in our fridge. Finally, one afternoon, my husband presented me with a small glass of lemon scented goodness… his limoncello… his baby project for a couple of weeks, was finally ready for our tasting.

At first sip, I knew my husband was onto something… this waiting thing that he seems to be so fond of? It isn’t all that bad. If it means a flavor like this – so intense and absolutely perfect – then waiting for perfection is something I can get used to.

Recipe: Limoncello Cocktail {From Giada De Laurentiis Everyday Italian}

• 10 lemons
• 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups sugar

1. Using a vegetable peeler remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith.
2. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.
3. Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the simple syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.
4. Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.