Description
Homemade Crema di Limoncello is a luscious Italian lemon cream liqueur that combines the bright zestiness of fresh lemons with the smooth richness of half and half and vodka. Perfectly sweet and refreshingly creamy, this delightful dessert drink is easy to prepare and ideal for serving chilled on its own or as a flavorful addition to cocktails and desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Limoncello Base
- 10 lemons, peeled with long strips of zest
- 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
For the Cream Syrup
- 8 cups half and half
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Peels: Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the lemon peels in long strips, avoiding the white pith as much as possible. Place these lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher.
- Steep the Peels in Vodka: Pour the entire bottle of vodka over the lemon peels in the pitcher, cover with plastic wrap, and let the mixture steep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This allows the vodka to absorb the lemon oils and develop its vibrant flavor.
- Make the Cream Syrup: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the half and half, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure the mixture does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool completely to room temperature before mixing with the limoncello base.
- Combine Limoncello and Syrup: Discard the lemon peels from the vodka, then stir the cooled cream syrup into the infused vodka to create the creamy liqueur mixture.
- Bottle and Chill: Transfer the crema di limoncello into airtight bottles or containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate until cold. Serve chilled. For longer storage, bottles can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can substitute vodka with a citrus-infused gin to add a different flavor profile.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing sugar or adding an additional splash of limoncello for a stronger lemon punch.
- Ensure the cream syrup does not boil to keep it from curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
- Always use airtight bottles for storage to preserve freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Crema di Limoncello, Homemade Limoncello, Italian Lemon Liqueur, Creamy Limoncello, Dessert Liqueur, Lemon Cream Drink
