I noticed lots of chat about Limoncello this morning and it made me reminiscent of our lovely little lemon libation that we make here at home. It is so very easy to make and tastes absolutely heavenly!
Here is what you need:
1 c spring or distilled water
2 c sugar
4 T lemon zest
1/2 c fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 c 100 proof vodka
***notes***
- we use organic lemons or Meyer lemons when in season
- lemons are zested using a fine micro plane grater to avoid any white pith. This is VERY important. The pith will add bitterness.
- use a good vodka, the taste matters here
Make a simple syrup by boiling the sugar and water over medium high heat until the mixture becomes clear, do not over heat this or you will end up with caramel đŸ™‚ . Remove the simple syrup from the heat and allow it to cool to a just warm temperature and pour into a clean 1 quart jar with a tight fitting lid. Add the zest, vodka and lemon juice and stir. Seal the jar and store in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks…6 weeks is best. After your wait is over strain the solids and decant. Store in the freezer and serve ICE cold.
To serve we rim a chilled martini glass with sugar infused with lemon balm.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE-make at least two batches.
There are several excellent recipes on homemadewine.net too so swing by and check them out.
Speaking of Limoncello…
Six Mile Creek Vineyard (which is one of my favorite places on the Cayuga wine trail) makes a grape based Limoncella. It is FABULOUS! If you are local to the finger lakes area stop and get a bottle or two you will not be sorry.
While you are there pick up a bottle of the 2006 Pinot Noir and 2006 Quintessence. I served my last bottle of Quintessence this past weekend so I need to get up there myself.
Make Mine Wine is having a photography competition. If you live in the mid-west check out the details!
Have a fantastic Wednesday!
Colleen
Creatively serving the Greater Binghamton area in the lovely Southern Tier of NY. www.foodwineartdesign.com
Colleen is a private caterer and personal chef, she also hosts the internet’s favorite resource for the home wine maker at www.homemadewine.net. Her blog and websites are viewed by thousands each day who enjoy her simply explained, illustrated and photographed recipes and helpful tips.
Enjoy!
Making Wine 
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