Limoncello

Step 1

A few notes to start: 190 proof Everclear can only be purchased in certain states. You can use 151 proof, but the proof of the final limoncello will be about 70 instead of the 90-95 you'll get by starting with 190. Do not try to use vodka or gin. It will come out terrible. Also, the lemon peeling process is a lot easier and faster if you get a Rotato. Yes, that thing they sell on TV to peel potatoes.

Step 2

If the lemons have wax on them like most grocery store lemons do, you'll want to get the wax off first. You can do this by pouring very hot water over them, or by microwaving for about 15 seconds and then scrubbing them like crazy. If you can get lemons from a backyard or a farmers' market you'll save a lot of aggravation.

Step 3

Clean the lemons well, then remove the outer skin from the lemons using a very sharp knife or ideally, your Rotato machine. Do not get any of the white part (pith) or it will make the limoncello bitter. If necessary, you can scrape the back of the peels with a sharp knife to remove any that came off in the initial peeling. You want just yellow, almost translucent peels. You won't use the actual lemons, so juice them or use them for something else.

Step 4

In a large airtight glass jar, place the skins and pour the alcohol over. Make sure the jar is large enough (about a gallon) to hold the water and sugar you will add later.

Step 5

Let the mixture sit for about 14 days (anytime between 1-3 weeks is probably fine). I keep mine out of the light but I don't think it really matters. After a day or so you should see the alcohol start to turn a nice yellow color. You can swirl it around every few days if you like, but you really don't need to do anything to it during this time.

Step 6

After the 14 days or when you are ready, make a simple syrup. Heat the water in a pan but do not boil. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is all dissolved. Let it cool completely.

Step 7

Add the simple syrup to the jar and mix. Reseal the jar. Let mixture stand for a few more days or up to 2 more weeks (don't go over a month total though). Gently shake it daily.

Step 8

Strain out the skins. Pour into bottles and store in the freezer. Makes a great gift.