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Limoncello

Author:

Vincenzo

Updated:

16th Mar, 2026

212 Comments

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How to Make Limoncello

Limoncello is a beloved Italian liqueur that has gained worldwide fame for its tangy, refreshing taste. Made using just three simple ingredients. My Nonna’s family recipe will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast with just one sip.

Moreover, the intense citrus flavor of fresh lemons blends perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and the kick of alcohol. Additionally, resulting in a delightful explosion of taste in your mouth.

Whether you enjoy it on its own, as an after-dinner digestif, or mixed into a refreshing cocktail. Lastly, limoncello is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Watch Limoncello video recipe:

Limoncello | Nonna making the best limoncello in the world Italian Homemade Recipe

limoncello recipe

Nonna’s Top Tips To Make Limoncello

NOT the white part

Firstly, make sure you only peel the skin without getting the white part of the lemon.

20 days

Soak your lemons for 20 days in order for the Limoncello to be bold yellow in colour and full of flavour.

Store your Limoncello

You can either put one bottle of limoncello in the fridge and store the other ones in a dry cool place. It depends on you!

Limoncello

Print Recipe
4.85 from 39 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 150

Equipment

  • Strainer
  • pot
  • Big Jar with sealed tap

Ingredients

  • 9 Organic Lemon, This is a must
  • 1 L Grain alcohol (95% ABV / 190 proof), You can use 100% pure vodka but it won’t taste the same
  • 1.5 L Water
  • 700 grams White sugar
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Peel 9 organic lemons. Make sure you only peel the skin without getting the white part of the lemon.
  • Place the lemon skins in a big jar and add grain (pure) alcohol. Seal the jar and let it infuse for approx 20 days.
  • The lemons need to soak in this liquid for 20 days in order for the Limoncello to be bold yellow in colour and full of flavour.
  • Bring 1.5 litres of water to a boil and add 700 grams of white sugar.
  • When the water cools add the marinated yellow alcohol to the water using a strainer so the lemon skins don’t go into the limoncello.
  • Put a glass of water into the jar, mix it around and add it to the mix. This will get the most flavour out of the lemon mix for the limoncello to be full of bold flavour.
  • Now mix the limoncello really well for a couple of minutes.
  • With 1.5lt of water and 1lt of grain alcohol you should be able to get almost 3lt of limoncello.
  • Fill up empty glass bottles with the limoncello.
  • Put one bottle of limoncello in the fridge and store the other ones in a dry cool place.
  • E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’sPlate….Enjoy!

Video

Author: Vincenzo’s Plate

How to serve Limoncello

  • Serve the Limoncello in small glasses. Some Italians enjoy to drink it in a cold glass. To do this, place the glass in the freezer for about 20minutes before you drink the limoncello.

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Recipe Rating




212 responses

  1. Liz
    July 10, 2025

    I can’t wait to try this! Making limoncello favors for our wedding guests! How would you increase the ingredients to accommodate100 small bottles? Does this recipe make 2 large bottles like the picture of Nonna? Thank you!😊

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 11, 2025

      Yes, Nonna’s recipe makes about 2 large bottles (almost 3 liters total), depending on how much you reduce the liquid while mixing. If you’re aiming for 100 small bottles (about 100ml each), you’ll need roughly 10 batches of this recipe. I hope this helps Liza! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  2. Dave
    July 10, 2025

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. I do have a question. Has anyone converted the amount of lemon skins into a measurable amount. How many grams in 9 organic lemons?

    Thanks for all your recipes an videos.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 11, 2025

      Ciao Dave! That’s a great question. While I always recommend using 9 whole organic lemons for the best aroma and flavor, the peels usually weigh around 90 to 120 grams total, depending on the size of the lemons. Just be sure to avoid the white pith, and you’ll be on the right track!

      Reply
      1. Dave
        July 17, 2025

        Excellent, thank you!

        Reply
  3. Ann
    July 12, 2025

    The ingredient list shows “1 grain alcohol”. Can you specify the amount? 1 bottle? What size?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 15, 2025

      Ciao Ann! In Nonna’s recipe, “1 grain alcohol” refers to 1 liter (about 34 oz) of high-proof grain alcohol, ideally around 95% (190 proof). If you’re using a bottle, just check the label to make sure it’s 1L.

      Reply
  4. Joy
    July 13, 2025

    How much grain alcohol do you use? I don’t see a measurement.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 15, 2025

      Ciao Joy! According to Nonna’s recipe, we use 1 liter of grain alcohol for 9 organic lemons. This gives the Limoncello that strong but smooth kick we all love!

      Reply
  5. Cris
    July 20, 2025

    Everyone – get on board with this recipe. I’ve tried Limoncello from all over Italy and the world, and tried several recipes. This is easily the best I’ve ever made and tasted. Sweet, delectable, and smooth, without compromising alcohol quality or quantity. Thank you Vincenzo and Nonna! I’ll be making several batches for family and friends. Tip – be patient, and make sure you soak the lemon peel for the 20 days as recommended! It is worth the wait!

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 21, 2025

      Ciao Cris! Grazie di cuore! Hearing that this is the best Limoncello you’ve ever made and tasted, that’s music to my ears (and Nonna’s too)!
      You’re absolutely right that patience is key. That 20-day soak makes all the difference!
      Can’t wait to hear what your family and friends think. Sounds like you’re about to become the Limoncello legend of the group!

      Reply
  6. Vittoria Longo
    July 20, 2025

    Thanks nonna.
    I will be making the creamy limoncello.
    Xx

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 21, 2025

      Ciao bella! Nonna would be so proud! Enjoy making the creamy limoncello and don’t forget to save a little sip for me! 😄

      Reply
  7. Rachel
    July 22, 2025

    Feeling very excited, just started a couple of batches for wedding day treats.
    What do you do with all that lovely fresh juice left over?
    Can I freeze it

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 22, 2025

      Cograts on starting your batches for the big day, how exciting! Yes, absolutely you can freeze the fresh lemon juice! I like pouring it into ice cube trays, then transferring the cubes into a freezer bag. It’s perfect to use later in salad dressings, marinades, lemon cake, or even lemonade. Nothing goes to waste! You can also try it in one of my lemon-based recipes here:

      https://www.vincenzosplate.com/?s=lemon+juice

      Reply
  8. Leanne Dixon
    July 23, 2025

    5 stars
    What do you make with the Lemon Juice

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 23, 2025

      Great question Leanne! 🍋 You can use leftover lemon juice to make fresh lemonade, lemon granita, or even a tangy lemon cake. It’s too good to waste! You can also try it in one of my lemon-based recipes here:

      https://www.vincenzosplate.com/?s=lemon+juice

      Reply
  9. Mar
    July 26, 2025

    5 stars
    Hi Vincenzo! I just made a batch of the limoncello After coming back from a holiday in Italy and getting a taste for it…yours if perfect! One question, how long will a bottle last in the back of the cupboard before it goes off…or does it go off?
    Thanks Marnie

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      July 29, 2025

      Ciao Marnie! Limoncello has a long shelf life thanks to the alcohol and sugar. If stored in a cool, dark place, it can last over a year — sometimes even longer! Just make sure the bottle is well sealed. You can also keep it in the freezer for that perfect icy sip!

      Reply
  10. Paul Saunders New Zealand
    August 1, 2025

    Sounds fantastic! Just about to get into it, however, how does the grain make a difference? as I need Gluten Free?
    Many thanks
    Paul

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      August 1, 2025

      Ciao Paul! Most grain alcohol is gluten-free due to distillation, but if you’re sensitive, it’s always safest to choose a certified gluten-free spirit just to be sure. Look out for vodka or high-proof alcohol made from corn, potatoes, or grapes, which are naturally gluten-free and give the same great result. Enjoy your limoncello-making! It’s such a rewarding process!

      Reply
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