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

Sous Vide Limoncello Recipe? ›

Infuse for at least four days (in the case of Everclear 190/189) and up to six weeks (for the lower proof alcohols). The infusion is ready when the alcohol is bright yellow and the lemon peels have lost most of their color.

How do you know when limoncello is done? ›

Infuse for at least four days (in the case of Everclear 190/189) and up to six weeks (for the lower proof alcohols). The infusion is ready when the alcohol is bright yellow and the lemon peels have lost most of their color.

Can bacteria grow in limoncello? ›

Can bacteria grow in limoncello? The high alcohol content of limoncello generally inhibits the growth of bacteria, making them unlikely to flourish. However, improper storage or contamination during the manufacturing process can potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.

Can you infuse limoncello too long? ›

A: It can rest a really long time. There's nothing in it that would really go bad and I've tasted batches that rested for over 5 years with no problems.

Why is my homemade limoncello bitter? ›

The most important thing is to have as little pith [ the white stuff under the lemon peel ] as possible. Too much will make your limoncello bitter – drinkable but bitter. You can use a zester, vegetable peeler or an intensely sharp knife.

How to know if limoncello is bad? ›

Bad limoncello will cause 'Allappa' or thick tongue

From the verb "allappare," a better translation might be that it makes your mouth pucker due to the sourness. "A good limoncello has a fresh tartness, it's not overbalanced and leaves your tongue fresh and clean," she said.

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.

Should limoncello be cloudy or clear? ›

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.

Does homemade limoncello go bad? ›

Can Limoncello Go Bad or Expire? You should generally try to consume limoncello within 2 years of creating or opening it. Limoncello only contains 4 ingredients, 2 of which are preservatives. So, it will never “go bad” like milk would but it does lose its lemon scent and flavor over time.

Is limoncello good for your gut? ›

Limoncello on its own is categorized as a digestif liqueur, meaning it's meant to be sipped on its own after a meal to aid in digestion. This is how limoncello is commonly used in Italy—after a meal, people stay at the table, either after dessert or during dessert, sharing limoncello and toasting to good health.

Why don't you put 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. We couldn't decide which method we liked better—so we did both!

Can you reuse lemon peels from limoncello? ›

Poco's limoncello

Even after it's been used to make the limoncello, the spent lemon zest can still be used in desserts or marmalade in place of regular lemon zest; just remember it will have a hint of alcohol flavouring, too.

Why did my limoncello curdle? ›

Exposure to air and heat over time will eventually cause it to go bad, and curdling is a sure sign that it's no longer suitable for drinking. Q: How do I drink or serve crema di limoncello properly?

Why did my limoncello go cloudy? ›

You've extracted so much lemon goodness that once diluted, the oils are falling out of solution.

Why is my limoncello frozen? ›

Limoncello is stored in the freezer so it can be served chilled- if you use 80 proof, your drink will turn to ice.

Should you age limoncello? ›

The entire mixture is suggested for this batch, but do not be afraid to put a little more or less to get your desired sweetness. Then fill your bottles and refrigerate. Aging your Limoncello is a great thing to allow it to mellow a bit. It would be great if you could age it for a few months if you have the time.

Should 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.

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? ›

Limoncello is thick and sweet, lemony and clean. Inspired by Lynn's careful process and desperate for an endless supply of this yummy Italian liqueur, I set out to make my own.

How long does it take to chill limoncello? ›

Chill and store: Chill the limoncello in the fridge or freezer for at least 4 hours before drinking.

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