Who doesn’t love an icy homemade Limoncello? Such a beautiful Italian tradition. Many will enjoy it as an after-dinner- but it is a treat at any time- especially on a warm and sunny day- Delizioso!
Make Lemon Mutha-Pucker for yourself- and turn a frown into a Pucker!
Make Lemon Mutha-Pucker for those you love. This liqueur makes a unique and special gift.
So easy and absolutely delicious- Mama Mia!
Limoncello is an authentic Italian liqueur made from the lemon zest .
Popularized in Southern Italy, and along the Amalfi Coast, It is an authentic Italian liqueur that is traditionally served chilled, and often as an after-dinner digestivo. It is a refreshing drink for every occasion.
Featured in movies such as Dan Brown’s Inferno, and Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, Limoncello is reaching new generations who love the refreshing lemon flavor.
Lemoncello is a poor American translation. This Italian Liqueur is pronounced: lee-mohn-CHEH-loh
The liqueur originates from the beginning of the 1900s, in a small boarding house on the island of Azzurra. Lady Maria Antonia Farace cared for a garden of citrus trees, and began making homemade Limoncello. Lady Maria Antonia’s nephew opened a bar, and her lemon peels infused by Vodka became the specialty.
Massimo Canale was Maria Antonia’s descendant, and he started to make the liqueur in small batches. He registered the first trademark “Limoncello” in 1988.
Some doubt that Maria and Massimo created the first homemade limoncello recipe. Sorrento, Amalfi. Capri, and other parts of Italy have their own legends and stories regarding the production of the traditional lemon liqueur.
Many historians suggest that this infused lemon liqueur dates back to the early cultivation of lemons.
Check out our Sassy Cuss Kitchen Merchandise by clicking here
Sorrento Lemons
Italian Sorrento lemons have a vibrant rich lemon flavor and rich aroma when they are cut open.
Smooth, slightly sweet, with high acidity – Considered the lemons to use for Limoncello. These mouth-watering lemons are a staple Italian ingredient.
They are typically imported from the Amalfi Coast, and can be quite expensive. A version of the Sorrento lemon, the Femminello lemon, has recently started growing in California.
Sorrento lemons are slightly rounder than the Amalfi lemon- but both are highly prized.
Amalfi Lemons
Amalfi Lemons are large, sweet and juicy. Popular for this liqueur, but also best to use in sauces, desserts- or roasted and served along side of meat.
This Italian lemon is also imported, and can be expensive.
Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are a sweet lemon grown in the Southern half of the US.
Meyers are often preferred by Chefs. Their season begins in late November and extends until March. Their limited availability and more fragile nature makes them more expensive than hardier, year-round regular lemons.
Other Lemons
If a sweeter variety of lemon is not available consider adding Mandarin Orange Peels to your recipe. Meyer lemons are a varietal that incorporates Mandarin sweetness.
You can also taste your infused Limoncello and add simple syrup to sweeten as required.
If you store this liqueur in the freezer, simply remove it 5-10 minutes before serving and shake well. Limoncello is often served as an aperitif on it’s own, or along side a dessert.
After you have made your delicious Lemon liqueur, upcycle those lemon peels! Cut the peels into thin strips, and roll them in sugar. ‘Candied lemon peels’ are delicious to snack on.
Try our Mutha Pucker Spritz
It is a light and refreshing cocktail that features our homemade Lemon Mutha Pucker!
2 Responses
This is the smoothest, most delicious Limoncello I have ever tried
This recipe takes me right back to Amalfi. This recipe is so smooth. I had no idea Limoncello was so easy.