Lemoncella Drink

Lemoncella

Lemoncella is a classic Italian lemon-flavored liquor.

15	lemons
2 (750	ml) bottles 100 proof vodka
4	cups sugar
5	cups water

4 quarts Change size or US/metric

Change to: quarts US Metric

25 minutes 20 mins prep

1. Scrub the lemons with soap and hot water using a scrubbie pad, and rinse very clean (you need to get any waxes off the peel).
2. Using a very sharp peeler, take the zest off of all the lemons- don't worry about being neat or uniform, it won't matter.
3. Just make sure you only get the zest and not the pith.
4. Put the zest in a large (at least 5 qt.) jar with a tight lid, with the contents of one bottle of vodka.
5. Place the jar in a cool, dark place (a basement is good) for 40 days.
6. At the end of 40 days, heat the sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves.
7. Let cool.
8. Add to the jar along with the other bottle of vodka.
9. Place back in the cool, dark place and let sit for another 40 days.
10. At the end of that time, strain out the lemon zest, pour the lemoncella into bottles (you will need at least 4, so save those vodka bottles) and store in the freezer.
11. Serve icy-cold in small glasses.
12. This stuff is potent!
13. And enjoy!