Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (2024)

by Erin

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This Sous Vide Limoncello recipe creates delicious limoncello in just 2 hours instead of the 3 weeks it would normally take. Make quick limoncello using just three ingredients with this simple recipe.

Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (1)

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🍋 Limoncello Ingredients

📋 How to Make Sous Vide Limoncello

🍸 How to Serve It

🕕 How to Store It

FAQ

More Sous Vide Recipes

A couple years ago, when we traveled to Italy, I definitely developed a taste for limoncello. Many restaurants in the area would serve you a complimentary nightcap of their homemade limoncello after finishing your meal.

Since then, I’ve been meaning to try making limoncello at home, but I’d never gotten around to it because traditional limoncello recipes require at least 3 weeks to steep the lemon rinds, etc. I’m more of an instant gratification kind of girl.

That’s when my sous vide came to the rescue.

Several months ago, I used my sous vide to make some blackberry infused vodka (which turned out absolutely delicious and makes the best lemon drop martinis). So, I thought, why not put that same concept to use and try my hand at making some quick limoncello?

You only need three ingredients to make limoncello – lemons, vodka and sugar. I made my limoncello using 80-proof vodka since we had a large bottle of it in the freezer. But for a cleaner tasting limoncello (and one that doesn’t freeze when stored in the freezer) look for 100 or 150-proof alcohol.

🍋 Limoncello Ingredients

  • Lemons – Be sure to thoroughly wash the lemons in hot water to remove any waxiness before peeling them. Organic are best since they aren’t coated in anything.
  • Vodka – For a clean tasting limoncello (and one that doesn’t freeze when stored in the freezer) look for 100 or 150-proof alcohol.
  • Sugar – Standard white sugar works best here.

You can also make homemade orangecello or grapefruit “limoncello.” I can’t wait to try those out as well.

📋 How to Make Sous Vide Limoncello

  • Use a vegetable peeler to remove the rinds from the lemons, but be careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
  • Add the lemon peels to a quart-sized mason jar, and top it off with vodka, leaving about 1/2 inch space at the top to allow for expansion. It will take about 2 cups of vodka to fill the jar.
  • Cook for 2 hours at 135-degrees.
  • Make simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water on the stovetop.
  • When the limoncello is done “cooking” strain the rinds and add simple syrup to taste. Chill.

Depending on your personal preference, you may not use all the simple syrup. If you prefer your limoncello more on the tart side, you may want to cut back on the simple syrup a bit.

🍸 How to Serve It

Limoncello is traditionally served as an aperitif (before a meal) or a digestif (after a meal). It is served chilled, without ice, in a shot glass.

Or, try making these Limoncello Spritz co*cktails!

🕕 How to Store It

Limoncello made with alcohol that is 100-proof or higher can be stored in the freezer. Limoncello that made with 80 proof alcohol should be stored in the refrigerator instead of the freezer because it can freeze. Homemade limoncello will keep for at least 3 months at room temperature.

If you have a room temperature bottle of limoncello that you’d like to chill quickly, put it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

FAQ

What temperature do I cook limoncello?

Set your sous vide to 135-degrees F and cook for 2 hours.

How do you preserve homemade limoncello?

Limoncello made with alcohol that is 100-proof or higher can be stored in the freezer. It will never go “bad.” However, it will lose its taste and flavor over time.

Why is my homemade limoncello bitter?

The cause of bitter limoncello is getting too much of the bitter white pith from the lemons. Use a peeler and avoid as much as the pith as possible.

Can limoncello be stored at room temperature?

Yes. However, to best preserve it’s flavor, it’s best to keep your limoncello stored in the freezer or refrigerator.

More Sous Vide Recipes

  • Sous Vide Homemade Limoncello Recipe
  • Sous Vide Filet Mignon + VIDEO
  • Sous Vide Infused Vodka // Blackberry Lemon Drop Martini
  • Sous Vide Carrot Ginger Soup
  • Sous Vide Vanilla Extract
  • Sous Vide Chicken Breasts

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Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (10)

Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe

This Sous Vide Limoncello recipe creates delicious limoncello in just 2 hours instead of the 3 weeks it would normally take. Make quick limoncello using this amazing recipe.

5 from 17 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • 5 Lemons
  • 2 cups Vodka (more or less, depending on size of jar)
  • 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
  • 2 1/2 Cups Water

Instructions

  • Set the Sous Vide to 135 degrees.

  • Thoroughly wash lemons in hot water to remove wax and pat dry.

  • Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons, avoiding any the bitter, white pith.

  • Place lemon zest into a quart sized mason jar and top with vodka, leaving a half inch of space from the top of the jar.

  • Cook for 2 hours.

  • Meanwhile, prepare the syrup: Heat water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

  • When the timer goes off, remove the jar from the water bath. Strain through a fine mesh strainer set over a large pitcher or bowl. Stir in the simple syrup. Chill and serve.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Sous Vide

Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (11)Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (12)

Mason Jar

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 23.8mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg

This post was originally published in 2019. It was updated in 2022 to add a FAQ section. The recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you know when limoncello is done? ›

When liquor is yellow in color and peel begins to turn white and easily snaps in two pieces when bent, limoncello is done. The longer it steeps the stronger the lemon flavor will be. Strain limoncello into a clean class jar, discarding lemon peels.

Should homemade limoncello be clear or cloudy? ›

Limoncello is made by mixing two solutions: the ethanolic extract containing the oils, and the aqueous sucrose solution. Each of these starting solutions is completely transparent; limoncello itself, however, is 'turbid', with a cloudy, opaque appearance.

Can you infuse limoncello too long? ›

How Long to Infuse? Infuse your lemon peels and vodka for at least 4 days or up to a month. Most of the lemon flavor is extracted in those first few days, but you'll also get a stronger, bolder flavor the longer you let it sit.

Why is my homemade limoncello bitter? ›

Wash the lemons thoroughly in warm water, and rinse well. Remove the zest (only the zest - the yellow part) from the lemons. Try not to get any of the white pith that's under the yellow zest, because the pith makes the limoncello taste bitter.

Can you oversteep limoncello? ›

Don't oversteep!

My Recipes tell us that in doing so, the oil trapped in the skins of the lemons will slowly release, infusing the alcohol with the fruit's flavor and vibrant color! After this successful steeping process is when simple syrup is added to the maker's liking to sweeten up the bottle.

Why is my homemade limoncello cloudy? ›

Limoncello cloudiness comes from what is generally called Louching, where some of the oils that are soluble in alcohol but not in water come out of solution as it is diluted.

Is it better to use vodka or Everclear for limoncello? ›

I find that two weeks works well using Everclear and my Eureka lemons. A lower proof vodka will mean that you may need an additional week or more to reach maximum lemon flavor. Don't worry about how much time your bottle is sitting out infusing, the high proof liquor will prevent mold from growing.

Does limoncello improve with age? ›

strange but true) and there is a downside to resting limoncello TOO long. While it's still ok to drink, as in "not repulsive," it does become insipid after about 2 years on the shelf. It loses a lot of the lemon-y flavor it once had. That just leaves you with simple syrup and high-octane liquor.

Does limoncello get better with age? ›

Fiore Limoncello is a liqueur with a relatively high (28%) alcohol content. Accordingly, it can age unopened for years with little to no degradation in quality, however once opened we recommend consuming it within a year for maximum lemon flavor.

Why don't you use lemon juice in limoncello? ›

Variation: Adding Lemon Juice

This will make the finished beverage more cloudy, while at the same time adding a sour note to the sweet, boozy lemon liqueur. The more juice you add, the more sour the finished liquid will become.

What can I do with the lemon peels after making limoncello? ›

This candied lemon peel recipe is a good way to use up lemon rind and goes well with coffee or dessert. It really does taste like candy, and you can use this method for any citrus fruit. If you use oranges you can add brandy, cloves, or other spices to the mixture.

What is floating in my limoncello? ›

You've extracted so much lemon goodness that once diluted, the oils are falling out of solution. know in many spirits as a louche, or to nerds as spontaneous emulsification. I aim for that in my limoncello. In my gins I like it to be clear at room temp, but louche in the freezer or when added to tonic.

Does homemade limoncello need refrigeration? ›

In general, it is best to store Limoncello in the refrigerator after it has been opened. This will help to preserve the flavors and keep the liqueur fresh for longer. It is also important to shake the bottle well before serving to ensure that the flavors are well-mixed.

Can limoncello grow mold? ›

Another concern when storing this delicious Italian liqueur is mold growth. Yes, even alcohol can grow mold under certain conditions – especially if left opened for an extended period without proper sealing.

How do you fix bitter limoncello? ›

Re: Redistilling bitter limoncello

Try adding a teeny pinch of salt. It kills bitterness. Just a little bit though.. like 0.005% or something.

When should limoncello be drunk? ›

Typically, limoncello is served following a meal at a traditional restaurant or within the walls (or on the patio) of the Italian home. Lemon is known to aid in digestion, which is why this delicious beverage it is often served after lunch or dinner as a tasty treat.

Is limoncello supposed to be thick? ›

My friend Lynn gave us a bottle of the deliciously decadent limoncello that she'd made, with her own label on it. Mind you Lynn also makes fresh pasta to go with the best ragout I'd ever had. She could build you a cabin if she felt like it. Limoncello is thick and sweet, lemony and clean.

Should you refrigerate limoncello after opening? ›

In general, it is best to store Limoncello in the refrigerator after it has been opened. This will help to preserve the flavors and keep the liqueur fresh for longer. It is also important to shake the bottle well before serving to ensure that the flavors are well-mixed.

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