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Limoncello

Author:

Vincenzo

Updated:

12th Aug, 2025

141 Comments

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How to Make Limoncello

Limoncello is a beloved Italian liqueur that has gained worldwide fame for its tangy, refreshing taste. Made using just three simple ingredients. My Nonna’s family recipe will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast with just one sip.

Moreover, the intense citrus flavor of fresh lemons blends perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and the kick of alcohol. Additionally, resulting in a delightful explosion of taste in your mouth.

Whether you enjoy it on its own, as an after-dinner digestif, or mixed into a refreshing cocktail. Lastly, limoncello is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Watch Limoncello video recipe:

Limoncello | Nonna making the best limoncello in the world Italian Homemade Recipe

limoncello recipe

Nonna’s Top Tips To Make Limoncello

NOT the white part

Firstly, make sure you only peel the skin without getting the white part of the lemon.

20 days

Soak your lemons for 20 days in order for the Limoncello to be bold yellow in colour and full of flavour.

Store your Limoncello

You can either put one bottle of limoncello in the fridge and store the other ones in a dry cool place. It depends on you!

Limoncello

Print Recipe
4.80 from 24 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 150

Equipment

  • Strainer
  • pot
  • Big Jar with sealed tap

Ingredients

  • 9 Organic Lemon, This is a must
  • 1 Grain alcohol (95% ABV / 190 proof), You can use 100% pure vodka but it won’t taste the same
  • 1.5 L Water
  • 700 grams White sugar
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Peel 9 organic lemons. Make sure you only peel the skin without getting the white part of the lemon.
  • Place the lemon skins in a big jar and add grain (pure) alcohol. Seal the jar and let it infuse for approx 20 days.
  • The lemons need to soak in this liquid for 20 days in order for the Limoncello to be bold yellow in colour and full of flavour.
  • Bring 1.5 litres of water to a boil and add 700 grams of white sugar.
  • When the water cools add the marinated yellow alcohol to the water using a strainer so the lemon skins don’t go into the limoncello.
  • Put a glass of water into the jar, mix it around and add it to the mix. This will get the most flavour out of the lemon mix for the limoncello to be full of bold flavour.
  • Now mix the limoncello really well for a couple of minutes.
  • With 1.5lt of water and 1lt of grain alcohol you should be able to get almost 3lt of limoncello.
  • Fill up empty glass bottles with the limoncello.
  • Put one bottle of limoncello in the fridge and store the other ones in a dry cool place.
  • E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’sPlate….Enjoy!

Video

Author: Vincenzo’s Plate

How to serve Limoncello

  • Serve the Limoncello in small glasses. Some Italians enjoy to drink it in a cold glass. To do this, place the glass in the freezer for about 20minutes before you drink the limoncello.

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Recipe Rating




141 responses

  1. Mari
    October 21, 2025

    Hello! I am always looking for authentic recipes and would like to try, it but as a newbie not sure what 1 grain liquor is. I am Ecuadorian by birth an am currently here for a Visit and would like to use the variety of lemons here as there are various. What liquor would you recommend? There is one that is 100% and is made
    Of cane juice. Eager to try the recipe..

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 23, 2025

      Ciao Mari! When I say 1 grain alcohol, it means 1 liter of pure alcohol (about 95% ABV). If you can’t find that, you can use a high-quality vodka instead, but the taste might be a little softer and less intense. The cane-based liquor sounds interesting! I haven’t tried it myself, but give it a go and let me know how it turns out, it will be fun to see how your version tastes.

      Reply
  2. Lori
    October 21, 2025

    If you soak the peels for longer, is it a stronger flavor?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 23, 2025

      Ciao Lori! Yes, if you soak the lemon peels for longer, the flavor will become stronger and more intense. Just be careful not to go too long after about 3 to 4 weeks, the peels can start to make the limoncello slightly bitter. Around 20 days is the sweet spot for that perfect balance

      Reply
  3. Laura Stewart
    October 25, 2025

    5 stars
    This is truly amazing Limoncello! After 1-2 years, it is exceptionally smooth. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 28, 2025

      Thank you so much Laura! I’m really happy to hear that you loved it!

      Reply
  4. Laura Stewart
    October 25, 2025

    Does this recipe call for 750 ml of alcohol or 1 liter?
    I only have 750 ml, so am wondering if I should cut back on the water and sugar by 25%. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 28, 2025

      Ciao Laura! The recipe uses 1 litre of alcohol, but if you only have 750 ml, yes, you can reduce the water and sugar by about 25%. That way, you’ll keep the balance of flavor and sweetness just right.

      Reply
  5. Cathy Stilo
    October 27, 2025

    Salve Vincenzo,
    There was no mention of how much grain alcohol is being used in the recipe for the limoncello. Kindly share the quantity…

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 28, 2025

      Ciao Cathy! In this limoncello recipe, my nonna uses 1 litre of grain alcohol. Make sure it’s good quality, around 95%, for the best flavor and clarity.

      Reply
  6. Stephanie
    November 6, 2025

    In the US one standard bottle usually equals 750 mL. Do you really mean 1L or do you really mean 1 bottle?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 7, 2025

      Ciao Stephanie! For Nonna’s limoncello recipe, we really mean 1 litre of alcohol, not just one 750 mL bottle. The full litre helps balance the flavour once you add the lemon peels. If you only have a 750 mL bottle, just reduce the sugar and water slightly to keep the balance right. Salute!

      Reply
  7. noelle d
    November 8, 2025

    I live in warm tropical climate. Can I keep in refrigerator for 20 days? I don’t have a consistent cool dark place.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 9, 2025

      Yes, absolutely Noelle! 😊 Yes, you can definitely soak the lemon peels for 20 days in the refrigerator, especially in a warm tropical climate. That’s actually a smart idea since the cool temperature helps prevent the alcohol from evaporating and keeps the flavor fresh. Just make sure the jar is tightly sealed, and give it a gentle shake every couple of days to help the oils release. After 20 days, your limoncello base will be beautifully infused and ready to mix with the water and sugar! Let me know how your limoncello turns out! 🍋

      Reply
  8. Lisa Bond
    November 9, 2025

    5 stars
    I made this and it is wonderful!!
    My question is how long can you store the made product? I’m the only one who loves it so I have a fair amount.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 9, 2025

      That’s fantastic Lisa! So glad you loved it! Homemade limoncello keeps really well. Store it in a sealed bottle in the freezer or fridge, and it will stay delicious for up to a year or even longer. Just make sure it’s tightly closed and away from light.

      Reply
  9. Michael Chawner
    November 10, 2025

    1 star
    Was pretty watery. Followed your recipe exactly and got a rather watery result. Think that 1.5 litre of water is too much. Your finished bottles look very suspicious, nothing like what was in the saucepan.

    Wasted my 100% booze

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 11, 2025

      Ciao Michael! I’m really sorry to hear your limoncello didn’t turn out as expected. I know how disappointing that can be, especially after using such high-quality alcohol.
      The 1.5 litres of water in the recipe is correct for the traditional balance of strength and sweetness, but the consistency can vary depending on the type and proof of alcohol, the lemons, and even the temperature when mixing. If the alcohol is stronger than 95%, or if the marinated lemon alcohol is added while the sugar water mixture is still warm, it can make the texture seem thinner.

      Next time, you can start with a little less water (about 1.2 L) and then adjust gradually until you find the consistency and flavour you love. Once chilled in the fridge or freezer, it should thicken slightly and develop a smoother texture.

      I really appreciate your feedback and hope you’ll give it another try. Homemade limoncello can take a few experiments to perfect, but once you find your balance, it’s pure sunshine in a bottle. 🍋

      Reply
  10. Jessica Deters
    November 12, 2025

    5 stars
    Love this video and can’t wait to make it

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 12, 2025

      Yay! I can’t wait for you to try this Limoncello recipe. Let me know how yours turns out!

      Reply
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