Limoncello
limoncelloquest.com/limoncello-articles/how-to-make-limoncello/
LOTS of details here… not sure we were that scientific about it.
For what we made, I think it was this:
Zest of somewhere between 10-15 lemons – about 1 cup.* Meyer lemons are recommended. Make sure not to get the white pith. You really only want the skin. We used a microplane zester.
1L <x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/407> bottle of Vodka (we used Skyy that had been sitting in the freezer with a little already used, so it wasn’t a full liter),
Stuff the zest into the vodka bottle (or put it all in a slightly larger bottle since it might not all fit) and let sit for at least 45 days (I think we forgot ours for more like 2 months)
After 45+ days, make the simple syrup and add to the infused vodka:
Simple Syrup:
3.5 cups <x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/808> white sugar
5 cups <x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/829> water
heat and stir until combined
Transfer to a larger (1 gallon <x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/894>) jar/jug (we used one of those jugs that apple cider comes in)
Combine vodka with zest and simple syrup
Let rest another 45 days at least (I think we forgot it longer again, and they say the longer it sits, the more mellow it gets).
After another 45+ days, filter the infusion:
Straining is best done with a coffee filter in a funnel to get it really clear.
We only strained once, but the website has a much more complex program. Ours seemed perfectly clear on the first filter.
Transfer into smaller bottles. Good idea to save that original vodka bottle for at least part of it unless you have gift bottles planned. You’ll need a bigger bottle/more than what you started with. It’s a good idea to sterilize the bottles before you use them.
Drink and enjoy!
* After you’re done zesting the lemons, juice them and save the juice! Make some simple syrup, and with a splash of lemon juice, a splash of simple syrup and some spritzer water you have fresh lemonade! A friend of mine put some lavender buds in her simple syrup while it was cooking, then strained them out and made lavender lemonade. Really nice!