313 replies to this topic

[Rick Andress]

I am currently making my 5th batch of lemoncello. I just love the stuff. I generally put 2 shots lemoncello to 1 shot Svedka Vodka and top off the 12oz. glass with ice and Italian Lemon Soda or 7-up. It is refreshing and crisp.
I hope I can someday attend an event and bring some to you all.

I just zested 20 lemons so now I will go add the everclear and vodka.

Be well all.

Edited by Hardtime, 24 February 2008 - 12:31 PM.

[metodd1]

I make limoncello quite frequently. It's good stuff.

[biznacho]

I tried to make some a couple months ago, it turned out nasty. Way too bitter. I think I zested off too much pith. Next time I try will be when lemons are in season and cheaper.

[LeRoy]

When I first tried to make lemoncello the same thing happened. It was very bitter. I added a little more simple syrup, bottled it and let it sit. After a few months, I tried it and it had really changed. Very drinkable!

I recently made orangecello. I tried it as I was bottling, but have not had any since. It had lots of orange aroma and flavor at that time. I'll let it sit a coupl more weeks and try it.

[metodd1]

Make sure you just get and use the zest (only the very outer colored part of the skin) and not the entire rind, which includes the pith (the white, bitter part). Use a zester, which will help make sure you don't go too deep.

[biznacho]

I did use a zester, but it was my first try with it so I may have screwed up. It's still sitting in the garage fridge. Maybe it's gotten better with age. Maybe.

[metodd1]

You can still go too deep using a zester. You must have gotten some of the pith, or it would not be bitter. I've never made a bitter batch and I make sure not to use any pith.

[LeRoy]

The batch of mine that turned bitter didn't have much pith in it. I didn't have a zester and tried to use a peeler without going too deep. At that time, I didn't realize how much it would affect the taste.
Since then, I have used a zester and haven't had any problems.

[Jetzster]

Saw a bottle of Danny Devito's Brand Lemoncello at BevMo,anyone tried this?I didnt know he has his own brand..Probably gets it going on those benders with Clooney

[OMG_Bill]

The stuff sounds delightful on warm day sitting in the shade.

[Gwydion Stone]

I'm a limoncellist too.

A peeler is going to pick up way too much pith—any pith is too much. You'll never regret picking up one of these.

Hardtime: why do you use Everclear and vodka? They're the same thing; vodka is just grain neutral spirits that's been watered down.

Try macerating your zest in Everclear. While that's soaking, take two cups of sugar and one and a half cups of water and gently heat on the stove until all the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool and bottle it (an empty Everclear bottle is good). After a week or so, strain the macerate and mix 1 to 1 with the simple syrup.

The adventurous should try using limoncello to sweeten their absinthe some time. With some absinthes it works really well, with others, not so much.

[Rick Andress]

I'm a limoncellist too.

A peeler is going to pick up way too much pith—any pith is too much. You'll never regret picking up one of these.

I actually found a peeler that works for me. It takes no pith and allows me larger pieces of the rind. It's a real pain using coffee filters to get out all my microplaned rind.


Hardtime: why do you use Everclear and vodka? They're the same thing; vodka is just grain neutral spirits that's been watered down.

It seems that when the maceration and simple syrup are finally mixed (mine is 4 cups sugar and 5 cups water) the alcohol content is perfect. It's a bit strong for some but perfect for us.

Try macerating your zest in Everclear. While that's soaking, take two cups of sugar and one and a half cups of water and gently heat on the stove until all the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool and bottle it (an empty Everclear bottle is good). After a week or so, strain the macerate and mix 1 to 1 with the simple syrup.

My zest or rind sit in the alcohol for 40 days before the syrup is added. I check the rind periodically after 35 days. When ready for finishing the rind will almost be crisp like a potato chip.


The adventurous should try using limoncello to sweeten their absinthe some time. With some absinthes it works really well, with others, not so much.

I will have to try this. I also mix it with homemade iced tea...I call it "ICEPICK"
Be well all

edited for spelling(as always)

Edited by Hardtime, 25 February 2008 - 02:46 AM.

[Rick Andress]

Today is day 26...it is halfway there.....drool

Edited by Hardtime, 17 March 2008 - 03:06 PM.

[Entropy]

I like the little limoncello lemonade drinks they have at olive garden. Couldn't force me to eat their garlic laden food, but I will go for a limoncello and a piece of lemon cake any day of the week. Never once thought about making it. Sounds like a fun project.

[baubel]

It's fun an relatively easy. The batch I did this summer came out a little too bitter, so I haven't quite gotten it down.

There's a variation I'm going to try any day now when I sit down and make the time.

[Entropy]

It's fun an relatively easy. The batch I did this summer came out a little too bitter, so I haven't quite gotten it down.

There's a variation I'm going to try any day now when I sit down and make the time.

I'll remember that the next time I'm in Albuquerque. I broke down there once on a trip from Arizona to Mississippi. A nice bit of home brew would have really helped the situation.

[baubel]

There's plenty of that batch I'm not drinking.

However, there are better things to drink while meeting other forum members here.

[OMG_Bill]

I've looked at several recipes for lemoncello. I've made some and it tasted ok to me but everyone has their own idea of what it needs or has too much of.

I've done lemon-limecello and orangecello as well. I haven't touched them in a month or so except to give as gifts to friends.

Limes are tough to zest because the zest is so very thin. I'm no expert or anything but I did enjoy putting the things together and sharing. I need to send some northwest sometime soon.

[Julie Legate]

Bill creates wonderful cellos! The lemon made its way to Doc Jaz's house. The Lemon-Lime and Orange reside at the Ridge. All are delicious.
Thank you so much for sharing!

[OMG_Bill]

Hmmmm, lemon, lime and orange.....they all sound healthy. I reckon after a few nobody gets hurt.

Enjoy them and thanks.

[Jonathan D.]

How many lemons should I zest for one bottle of Everclear?

I'm sure it's some manner of sacrilege but I may try to make a batch of this using a sugar substitute.

[StevePrime]

A friend of mine and limoncello lover was pondering an Absinthe+Limoncello (+sparkling water) concoction. Anyone try mixing the two?

[OMG_Bill]

How many lemons should I zest for one bottle of Everclear?

I use about 12 to 15.

[oglala56]

How many lemons should I zest for one bottle of Everclear?

I use about 12 to 15.

Do you use vodka or everclear?

[OMG_Bill]

I use 190 proof Everclear.

Zest the lemons (no white pith)
Put the zest in a wide mouth jar capable of holding booze and zest.
Put a lid on it and set aside for as long as you can stand it. I can't take the wait so I do mine in about two weeks.
Here's the fun part, make simple syrup. I think I use six cups water and six cups of sugar. Let it cool.
I put a screen in a funnel and strain the booze/zest into a gallon jug.
After the zest is finished dripping, remove them from the funnel and pour the simple syrup into the jug.

2 1/2 liters of sweet lemony goodness.

Keep the stuff in the freezer. Best served and sipped cold. It's a sneaky drink be careful.

This may be contrary to other recipes but it seemed to work for me.

After all, it's your booze!



Edited for safety. I changed the simple syrup ratio.

[oglala56]

Thanks

[baubel]

A friend of mine and limoncello lover was pondering an Absinthe+Limoncello (+sparkling water) concoction. Anyone try mixing the two?

The adventurous should try using limoncello to sweeten their absinthe some time. With some absinthes it works really well, with others, not so much.

Bamn!

[oglala56]

How many lemons should I zest for one bottle of Everclear?

I'm sure it's some manner of sacrilege but I may try to make a batch of this using a sugar substitute.

If you do, advise how it turned out...

[oglala56]

I use 190 proof Everclear.

Zest the lemons (no white pith)
Put the zest in a wide mouth jar capable of holding booze and zest.
Put a lid on it and set aside for as long as you can stand it. I can't take the wait so I do mine in about two weeks.
Here's the fun part, make simple syrup. I think I use six cups water and six cups of sugar. Let it cool.
I put a screen in a funnel and strain the booze/zest into a gallon jug.
After the zest is finished dripping, remove them from the funnel and pour the simple syrup into the jug.

2 1/2 liters of sweet lemony goodness.

Keep the stuff in the freezer. Best served and sipped cold. It's a sneaky drink be careful.

This may be contrary to other recipes but it seemed to work for me.

After all, it's your booze!



Edited for safety. I changed the simple syrup ratio.

I followed your and Gwydion's recipes, they are very similar...I used Sorrento lemon from a import friend of mine...I used 18...I zested the lemons...this is the 8th day and the zest are totally white now and the alcohol is a very deep yellow. I have been gently shaking the mix once every day...will keep an update..

[Ron]

Bill creates wonderful cellos!

Seconded.