Homemade Christmas Delights

Homemade Limoncello

Gifting homemade Limoncello for Christmas is a zesty and personalized present that captures the essence of Italian tradition. Crafted by infusing lemon zest into high-proof alcohol and sweetening with syrup, this vibrant liqueur exudes citrusy freshness. Bottled in decorative containers and adorned with festive ribbons, homemade Limoncello becomes a unique and thoughtful gift. Its sunny flavor and homemade charm make it a delightful addition to holiday celebrations, offering a taste of both craftsmanship and the joyous spirit of the season. Limoncello embodies the art of sharing, turning a simple drink into a heartfelt expression of holiday warmth.

Time: 2 weeks steeping time, 1 hour preparation time + 1 week refrigeration

Yield: Approx. 1 litre

Ingredients:

• 10 lemons
• 1 litre high-proof vodka (at least 80 proof)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Wash and scrub the lemons thoroughly. Peel the lemons using a vegetable peeler, avoiding the bitter white pith.

2. Place the lemon peels in a large glass jar and pour the vodka over them. Seal the jar tightly and let it steep in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days.

3. After the steeping period, strain the lemon-infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the lemon peels.

4. In a saucepan, make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the syrup to cool completely.

5. Mix the cooled simple syrup with the lemon-infused vodka. Stir well.

6. Funnel the limoncello into a clean, sterilized bottle, and seal tightly.

7. Allow the limoncello to mellow in the refrigerator for at least another week before serving.