Limoncello

12 lemons
1 lime
750 ml bottle of 100 proof vodka
water
sugar
750 ml bottle of regular vodka

The limoncello is fairly simple. Take the peels of one dozen lemons + 1
lime (that's the secret!) either removed with a vegetable peeler, or
microplaned off. I think the infusion goes much faster with the
microplaned little shreds of peel as there's more surface area exposed
to the alcohol.

Place the peels into an airtight container (I use a large screwtopped
jar) and cover with one bottle of 100 proof vodka (I use 100 proof
Smirnoff). The higher alcohol level seems to get better extraction from
the peels. Place the jar in a safe place (on top of my refrigerator
works for me!) for at least two weeks, giving it an occasional shake and
sniff to check on it. You'll be able to see the vodka turning bright
yellow as it pulls the flavorful oils from the peels. When the peels no
longer look colorful and the vodka doesn't seem to be gaining any more
visible color or scent, it's done. Filter through a coffee filter or
cheesecloth into a large bottle or jar and press down to remove all the
vodka and oils that you can from the peels. Add a 1:1 simple syrup (I
usually start with 2 cups water to two cups sugar, boiled lightly until
completely dissolved and syrupy and cooled off) and then thin further
with approximately another 750 ml bottle of your favorite regular vodka.
If it needs to be cut down or sweetened further, just use filtered or
bottled water and more simple syrup. It's really a matter of taste as to
how sweet and/or strong you like it. You can also make "Orangecello" the
same way. It's quite tasty too!

You could, if you wanted to, use Everclear grain alcohol for the
extraction, however, I find that it makes for a much harsher tasting end
result. I find that the 100 proof vodka and then flavoring/thinning to
taste with simple syrup, more regular decent neutral vodka (last batch I
used Denaka from Denmark) and a little filtered or bottled water seems
to get the best and most palatable results.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd
AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA
To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

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