Citrus Fruits Rosolio - Limoncello
( Rosolio al Limone o Limoncello )
The Limoncello is a homemade rosolio that goes back to the time when lemons were introduced in Sicily and in the South of Italy. Before becoming a popular drink, the homemade version of Limoncello was simply called Rosolio al Limone. Limoncello is enjoyed after dinner and considered a digestivo, a drink acting to help the digestion. In the late fifties, in many restaurants in Italy, this drink was offered on the house to conclude a meal and soon it became very popular and added to the numerous list of after dinner drinks. Limoncello can be served straight, on the rocks, ice cold from the freezer or on top of ice cream.
- Yield2 fifths
- Wines and DrinksLimoncello - Citrus Fruit Rosolio
Ingredients
- 8 lemons
- 1 qt. 100 proof vodka
- 2 cups of sugar (1 lb.)
- 2 cups of water
- 1 vanilla bean, open vertically, seeds scraped (optional)
Instructions
THE LEMONS
Wash thoroughly the lemons. Use a potato peeler to carefully peel the lemons without removing the pith, the white part of the skin which is bitter. In a large and airtight jar mix the peels, the vodka, the vanilla bean, split in half and marinate for at least 10 days. Place the jar in a cool place and shake it every day.
THE SYRUP
In a saucepan, over a medium heat, combine and mix the sugar and the water; keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer the syrup for 15 minutes, without boiling it. Set aside to cool. Combine the cooled syrup with the citrus infusion, seal the jar and let it sit for a few days.
THE LIMONCELLO
Strain the rosolio using a paper filter or a piece of cotton cloth or a few layers of cheesecloth; discard the lemons’ skin and the vanilla bean. Bottle and seal the rosolio that will be ready to use in about two weeks.
NOTE: To prepare Orange or Tangerine Rosolio, substitute bloody oranges or tangerines to the lemons.