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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
I adore limoncello! It says summer relaxation all over it, as well as brings me many memories. I make mine with everclear (more if a neutral flavor profile), and enjoy limoncello lemonades in a zested sugar rim. Tell your hubby to keep the tradition going
fab pics my friend!
It is the perfect summer drink… sip it at the end of a hot day. I’ll pass on your Everclear suggestion to Nick, for sure
love that you posted this and that he made limoncello! I have loved it for many years and too, have a torn out magazine recipe on my kitchen corkboard. After a trip to Italy this summer, my “zest” for it is renewed and I’ll be trying it out myself when we get home.
Will print out your recipe to tack alongside the magazine tear-out!
Haha, I love that he just gave up and made it himself! Maybe this will just be the beginning and he’ll surprise you with all sorts of other culinary feats in the future!
Holy moly woman. I would invite myself over for drinks if I lived closer. I love limoncello but homemade? New heights with that one!
And even though I was having a great time in Mexico City on a photography tour while EVO was going on, I wish I would have been there!
What a fun surprise!
funny…….I’m VERY impatient, until it comes to buying, then I take forever to make the decision to purchase! lol
Nick’s Limoncello looks and sounds fantastic!!……save some for me when I come to visit!!
Love love love the pics Kristen!!
Oh! I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile. I understand your impatience…but guess it was worth it. Putting on my “to do” list.
Beautiful photos Kristen!
Ooooh! I’ve only had it once. Yummy.
Love this post, Kristen. I wish I had more patience about things like this, too.
Sounds great. A perfect cocktail for these scorching summer days! Wonderful pic, too!
i’m impressed that the hubby took matters into his own hands . . . and he shared!! love limoncello – especially home-made!!
Men CAAAN be good for something, right?
Can I just pour this drink on my head right now? YUM.
Wow! beautiful job! I love lemon drop martinis, I will have to add this one to my list of favorites! Love your pictures too and your site!
You know how lemon drop martinis often have the fine sugar on the rim of the glass? I was thinking that is exactly what would top off these cocktails perfectly! Yum!
Is it weird that I find the fact that your husband made his own limoncello completely ADORABLE?!
I’ve thought about buying some at the liquor store many times but haven’t. It sounds wonderful!!
Hehehe…. it is pretty sweet of him, isn’t it?
Just beautiful! I love limoncello and had no idea how easy it was to make (of course the waiting is the hard part!) . Can’t wait to try this!
We’re in the process of making limoncello, too (!!!), except not with lemons.
I can’t wait now that I’ve seen yours. Must be patient. Must be patient.
I can’t believe I still haven’t made homemade limoncello. I’ve bookmarked this so I can make some soon. I love the photographs!
Recently I put up a status on FB asking for lemon recipes..have a bag full of it. I need not look any further now…Love the simple and lovely drink!
Lovely photos. I’m glad your husband took the time to make it for you. Very thoughtful!
Love that your hubs took this matter into his own hands – you are one lucky gal. Perhaps you need to travel more often
How wonderful, I love a good homemade cocktail, even better that your husband made it!
Easy Peasy Limoncello from Giada – love it – I’m having to wait 3 months for my Lemon Confit from Eric Ripert… but it’s worth it – patience is a virtue
I love anything with limoncello in it – this sounds delish! Beautiful pics too.
Sounds like a good guy to have around – I love that he just went ahead and did it! This looks ultra refreshing. mmmmm…
I really want to try making Limoncello
i am a little confused, you mentioned it takes weeks but the recipe as written would take five days. does it really only take five days or is there a step missing
Hi Janet –
Sorry for the confusion! Good point. Some of the recipes he had printed out and tore out of magazines did have weeks to “marinate” the flavors together. This Giada recipe is the one he ended up going with – which had a shorter time.
Thanks!
Kristen
My husband is in charge of the limoncello at our house!
Your hubby’s so sweet to do all that work. Here’s ours: http://wineandaspoon.com/amandas-drunk-kitchen/
Sounds like you have a budding mixologist on your hands!!
I love lemons and I love lemoncello … now if I can just convince my DH to make it…. heaven indeed!
This is so cool. I remember when I first had limoncello in Italy in college. How fun to make it at home!
I’m more like your hubby I guess! I can wait and wait and wait and sometimes never get something….but when I am ready for something, I do get it (Its just not that often!) This looks awesome and now I want to make it. Loving the photos.
Yummm I love infusing vodka! Limoncello is one of my absolute favorites too. It truly seems worth the wait
Yum! I love limoncello… Definitely worth the wait!
Looks great! Thanks for the recipe…I may just have to try this one..in a smaller batch or I’d probably never leave home.
Hi! I’ve been “lurking” around your blog for quite some time now and am thoroughly combing through all your recipes now. I have to say, I love your photography! I don’t even drink but you’ve made this cocktail look so divine, I’m sitting here trying to think of excuses to make it!
You are so sweet. Thanks, Cathy
I have a hard time waiting for ough to rise. I can’t imagine waiting days! The results look well worth the wait.
I think for such an amazing result, I should practice some patience and give this a try! It looks like it is worth the wait!
I’m not more sure if I’m jealous that you have homemade limoncello or that your husband made the homemade limoncello. Either way, I totally need to get on this recipe.
And gorgeous pics, Kristen!
Kristen, your husband was right. Although I also like instant gratification there are some things in life that can’t be rushed. This is one of them. Every sip of Limoncello is like a reminder of all the great joys in the world.
Oh how I would love to have a sip of this right about now.
Guess I had better get busy, hmmmm? Patience is not my strong point. LOL!
I love this. I pinned it because I’m definitely trying this recipe soon!
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
LOVE limoncello! must try this recipe!!!
Just poured in the simple syrup and had a sneaky sip… Cannot wait for it to be ready! Thank you!
Just saw you tweet this today…it’s one of my favorite liqueurs to make. If I could mention? A lot of recipes call for Everclear because it’s a much higher proof alcohol and will extract more flavor from the lemons BUT who cares? It’s harsh and I can not stand the end result.
I have found though that locating 100 proof vodka is worth the effort; the difference between 80 and 100 proof vodka does seem to correlate to making it more lemony without sacrificing and having a harsh end result.
Limoncello is always first on the list of liqueurs that my friends love for holiday gifts; this is great timing to make sure it’s on the calendar to get it done early enough to package up for gifts.