How to Make Authentic Limoncello | Homemade Limoncello Recipe PLUS Some Delicious Alternatives
- Pasta Grammar
- May 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Store bought limoncello, even in Italy, is rarely as good as it is when homemade. The overly-sweetened liqueur found in restaurants is mostly for tourists, while the home kitchen version is stronger and uses a lot less sugar (although still plenty, which really makes you wonder how the former is made). It’s a very simple drink to make, but before we begin it’s important to address why you might want to try one of the alternatives we’ve listed below…

Why You Might Not Want to Make Limoncello
Because limoncello is made with a highly concentrated tincture using just the outer lemon rind, Italians consider it non-negotiable that the lemons must be completely pesticide free. Store bought organic lemons are definitely not guaranteed to be free of pesticides because there are many organic-approved chemicals that are used and will primarily affect the rind, which is exactly what we’ll be using.
You’re free to make your own decision, of course, but we urge you to only use lemons that come from a trusted, local source where you can be sure that no pesticides were used. If you don’t have a homegrown lemon source, consider trying…
Limoncello Alternatives
The basic process of making limoncello can be applied to other produce, not just lemons. You can really get creative with fruit, herbs and ingredients like coffee. After the limoncello recipe we’ll give a few examples with slightly tweaked ingredient amounts based on our own experimentation.
For each example, the process is exactly the same. Only the ingredients and infusion times change, all of which will be listed below.
Watch the Pasta Grammar video:
HOMEMADE LIMONCELLO RECIPE
Makes: About 2 liters
For this recipe, you will need:
10 large lemons
4 ¼ cups (1 L) grain alcohol (~95% alcohol)
3 ⅛ cups (750 ml) water
2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
Carefully peel the yellow lemon zest from all 10 lemons with a sharp paring knife, taking care to avoid peeling any of the white pith. If you do get some pith, you can scrape it off the peel with the edge of the knife. Place the lemon peels into a large, sealable jar and fill it with the grain alcohol. Shake to evenly mix the peels and liquid.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 25 days. Every 1 or 2 days, give the jar a shake.
After 25 days, combine the water and sugar in a pot and heat over medium/low heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Strain the lemon-flavored alcohol into the syrup and stir together.
Using a funnel, transfer the limoncello into sealable bottles and store in a cool, dark place for a month to let the alcohol flavor mellow. It’s now ready to enjoy! Keep it in the freezer and serve ice cold.
Cin-cin!

Limoncello Alternative #1: Coffee
Ingredients:
14 ounces (400 g) coffee beans, roughly crushed in a mortar and pestle
4 ¼ cups (1 L) grain alcohol (~95% alcohol)
5 ½ cups (1.3 L) water
5 cups (1 kg) granulated sugar
Infusion Time: 7 days
Limoncello Alternative #2: Ginger
Ingredients:
11 ounces (320 g) peeled ginger, sliced
4 ¼ cups (1 L) grain alcohol (~95% alcohol)
3 ⅛ cups (750 ml) water
2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
Infusion Time: 20 days
Limoncello Alternative #3: Basil
Ingredients:
5.5 ounces (160 g) fresh basil leaves
4 ¼ cups (1 L) grain alcohol (~95% alcohol)
4 ¼ cups (1 L) water
3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
Infusion Time: 3 to 4 days
This is a very helpful post, thanks for sharing! For those who want a reliable and easy-to-use platform, I recommend checking out 99exch. It offers smooth navigation and a secure environment for all users.I also found that 99 exch is gaining popularity because of its trusted services and simple interface. Worth exploring if you’re looking for something reliable.
Get your Online betting Today - https://99exch.agency/
Enjoy exciting online gaming with Playexch, India’s trusted platform for sports betting and live casino fun. Get quick payouts, real-time updates, and a secure space to play. New users can register easily through Playexch Sign Up and start instantly with Playexch in Login.For nonstop action, Playexch247 keeps you connected anytime, anywhere. From cricket betting to casino games, Playexch makes your gaming journey smooth and rewarding.
Click here to explore: https://playexch.ind.in/
If you're exploring trusted online platforms for secure sports engagement, I highly recommend checking out Kheloyar. The platform is easy to use and offers fast account access through the Kheloyar Login page. Whether you're just getting started or looking for a feature-rich dashboard, Kheloyar 360 provides a seamless experience for users who want both reliability and convenience
Reddy Anna Book is gaining popularity among cricket lovers and gaming fans for its reliable and user-friendly platform. With smooth login, secure features, and exciting betting options, it creates a great space for both beginners and regular players. The platform ensures trust and entertainment, making Reddy Anna Book Login a preferred choice for those who enjoy online gaming and cricket betting.
Visit Now >>> https://reddyannabook.gg/
Reddy Anna has become a trusted name for cricket fans and online gaming enthusiasts. The platform stands out for its smooth interface, secure login, and exciting betting features. Whether you’re new or experienced, Reddy Anna Book makes the experience engaging and reliable. It’s a great choice for those who want both entertainment and a safe betting environment.
Visit Now >>> https://reddyannabook.gg/