When life gives you lemons, make limoncello!

By Adrian Cavlan

Dateline 3/27/2020, and the Coronavirus is running rampant. It seems as if life has come to a complete stop. It’s a moment that we’d like to pretend never happened, but, alas, here we are on day 14 of our “shelter in place” lockdown. (see note below in ingredients section re. some possible availability issues)

Sometimes, life gives you lemons, but thank goodness, I know how to make Limoncello!

What is Limoncello? It is a lemon liqueur that originates from the south of Italy; in fact, the Naples Bay and Amalfi Coast towns (particularly Sorrento and the island of Capri) are its most famous point of origination, however it is made throughout Italy and enjoyed all over the world. It is an absolutely sublime “apertivo” or “digestivo”, enjoyed either prior to or after a meal (or BOTH… you know… because… well, after you try some of this, you’ll understand!)

Now - here’s the good news: this area is where my family originates, so I know my limoncello, and now, by virtue of this blog post, so will you. Here’s my personal recipe:

Limoncello “Cannavacciuolo”

16 lemons 

(NOTE: We have a prolific Meyer lemon tree in our front yard that yields an exceptional, mild lemon typical of the variety. This character comes through beautifully in this recipe)

1 l. Everclear 120 proof

(NOTE: as of 4/2/2020, it is very difficult to get Everclear : ( - strongly suggest you wait until you can get it)

Wash lemons

Peel lemons w/ vegetable peeler using a very light touch to minimize taking any of the pith / white part of peel.

Put in 1.5 l. canning jar and add one liter of Everclear.

Store in cool dark place for 20 days

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After 20 days, boil five cups of water, slowly adding three cups of sugar. Mix well and set to boil gently for a little bit.

After it cools off, strain the Everclear and lemon peel mixture, adding the infused Everclear to the water and sugar mixture.

Mix well, bottle, and put in freezer to enjoy once fully cooled.

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Note that this recipe may be adjusted. Changes in the quantity of lemons, quantity of alcohol, time of infusion, quantity of water and quantity of sugar will all yield different results!

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