Home Made Limoncello

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur produced mainly in Italy near Naples, Sorrento  and the Amalfi Coast. Interestingly limoncello is not sour , partly due to the fact that there is no lemon juice in it.  The lemony flavor is all thanks to the lemon zest, the outermost part of the lemon peel, where the essential oils are most concentrated.   The lemon zest is stripped from the lemon and steeped in alcohol for a period of time until all the oils are released. This  yellow liquid is then mixed with a simple syrup to make the liqueur.  Its easy to make, so why don't you try it.

Traditionally it is served chilled as an after dinner digestive but can be made into the most deliciously cocktails as well.
Last year we  brought out a bottle after our Christmas lunch, and it was a huge success, so this year we are making plenty for Christmas gifts.   Making limoncello requires a certain amount of planning ahead, and  little bit of patience, and that's the hardest part.All that is required are some lemons, a few bottles of Vodka (and the cheap ones are perfect to use  - keep your money for something else), sugar , and a dark cupboard to keep it hidden in for a few weeks.

 And of course if you dont want to make it , buy a bottle, and try these stunning Cocktail recipes thatAndrea and Marzia of Sovrano Limoncello have kindly shared with us. 
Check out their website athttp://www.limoncello.co.nz/index.html