How To Make Limoncello: The Italian After-Lunch Liqueur
Limoncello is one of the most popular and famous drinks in Italy. Its exact origin is unknown, as there are conflicting stories. Some say it was created by the grandmother of Maria Antonia Farace in the early 1900s. Others believe it originated in Sicily or the Amalfi Coast. Whatever the origins, this is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy. You’ll see it served after dinner at homes and restaurants across the country.
Naturally, there are many variants. Some versions are created at home, others are made professionally from recipes handed down over generations and using the best Sorrento lemons. You’ll be able to taste the difference.
You don’t even have to be in Italy to order an authentic product, since Dolceterra delivers across the globe. You can even order it in handmade jars.
It’s worth noting the limoncello alcohol content will vary depending on where it has been made. In most cases, it’s impossible to gauge the alcohol content in limoncello made at home.
Why Do Italians Drink Limoncello
Italians drink Limoncello after a meal. Lemons are known to help your digestive system. The acid in them bolsters your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and process food. Having a drink after a meal will help to prevent wind and other gastric discomfort.
Alongside this, Limoncello has a delicate but definitive tang. This helps to clear your palette, giving you nice-smelling breath and ensuring you can embrace the flavor offered by any other food and drink. It’s the cleansing ability that encourages some people to consume a glass before a meal, as well as after.
Limoncello is traditionally drunk cold. Most people will keep the bottle in the freezer, ideally in a chilled glass. Because the alcoholic content is high it’s usual to only have a small glass. The depth of flavor dictates you drink it slowly, savoring each mouthful.
How To Make Limoncello
If you’ve ever tried this drink, you’re probably wondering how to make limoncello. It is possible to make it yourself, since you simply need to follow the recipe and purchase the following ingredients:
- 10 lemons
- 6 cups of water
- 4 cups of sugar – preferably white
- A quart of alcohol, ideally something that is 95% proof
You’ll want to start by scraping the skin off the lemons. You don’t want the white part, but just the very outer yellow skin. The zest is placed in a bowl with your 95% proof alcohol and covered. Leave it like this at room temperature for 7-10 days. During this time, the alcohol will adopt a yellow tinge.
You can now put your water in a pan and bring it to the boil, then add the sugar and make sure it is fully dissolved. Take it off the stove and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Using a strainer, tip the alcohol into the sugared water, and the zest will stay in the strainer.
Pour the contents into as many bottles as you need and store them in the freezer. It’s best to wait two weeks before you taste the first one.
Why You Should Consider Buying It Ready Made
It’s fun to make your own Limoncello and it probably tastes good. However, even if you have used authentic Sorrento lemons, you will probably struggle to match the flavor of the genuine article. Making your own is surely an option, but if you want to fully enjoy the Limoncello flavor and effects you should choose a ready-made version, such as the Dolceterra’s one.
The unique recipe offers a flavor like no other and it uses the freshest local Sorrento lemons. The use of the highest-quality ingredients ensures you can feel the smoothness and embrace the creamy richness of this slightly sweet delicacy.
There are other versions available in your local store. However, unless they are created in Italy, they won’t come close to the real thing. In short, it’s virtually impossible to beat.
Summing Up
How do you make limoncello? The best answer is you don’t. Instead, order the genuine product and feel like you’re sitting on the Amalfi Coast, regardless of where you are in the world.
You don’t have to be Italian to appreciate Limoncello, you simply need to appreciate how good the Italians are at creating food and alcohol. Order both from Dolceterra today and savor the flavor of Italy.
