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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. Geoff
    November 12, 2025

    5 stars
    I have been making this limoncello recipe for quite a few years now, always with home grown lemons. Family and friends all love it!

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 12, 2025

      Ciao Geoff! Grazie mille for your comment, that makes me so happy to hear! Nothing beats homemade Limoncello, especially when it’s made with your own lemons. 🍋 Bravo!👏

      Reply
  2. Wendy Reagan
    November 17, 2025

    Is it ok to use alcohol that is less than 95%? I have an 80% purchased before I saw the recipe. 😭
    Caio!

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 18, 2025

      Ciao Wendy! Yes, it is completely OK to use alcohol that is less than 95 percent if that’s what you have. Your 80 percent alcohol will still work well. The flavour will be a little softer and the final limoncello will be slightly less strong, but it will still be delicious.

      Reply
  3. Andrew
    November 18, 2025

    Is it 700ml or 1 litre of rice alcohol in this recipe?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 19, 2025

      Ciao my friend! Please use 1 liter grain alcohol.

      Reply
  4. Katherine S
    November 24, 2025

    Hi!! I’m excited to make this! I saw you respond to another comment that when this is done the drink will have a percentage of 38%. I still want to use grain alcohol, but I want my drink to come out to 30%. Should i use more water and sugar at the end?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 25, 2025

      Ciao Katherine! The final alcohol percentage depends on the total volume you end up with. I mentioned 38 percent before because some people get a smaller final volume. When you follow the full recipe, most people end up with about 3 liters, which makes the limoncello closer to 30 to 32 percent.

      If you want it even closer to exactly 30 percent, just add a little extra water at the end. About 100 to 150 ml is enough.

      Enjoy making your limoncello and let me know how it turns out! 🍋

      Reply
  5. Simon Jon Baguley
    November 27, 2025

    Follow your recipe and it couldn’t be better shared a bottle with a restaurant full of people every one loved it thanks so much for sharing this knowledge love it ciao

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 28, 2025

      Ciao Simon! That makes me so happy to hear! I am glad everyone enjoyed it. Thank you for trying Nonna’s recipe and for your kindness. Keep celebrating life with good food and good people! 🍋

      Reply
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