Limoncello di Capri
Limoncello gained popularity more than a century ago, when Vincenza Canale, who operated a hotel on the island of Capri, offered her guests a small glass of lemon liqueur as an after-dinner drink, or digestivo. The fame of this lemony nectar soon spread amongst travelers, writers, and other guests who visited Capri. By faithfully following Vincenza Canale's original recipe, her descendants continue to produce the liqueur known worldwide as Limoncello di Capri.
When in Rome...
My husband and I were vacationing with friends in Rome, and stopped for dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes surrounding our hotel. After a delicious meal, the proprietor joined our table and set out a tray of grappa and Limoncello. We all loved the tasty combination and the ritual of sipping the liqueur from tall, slender glasses.
Capri: The Birthplace of Limoncello
The following day we traveled to the island of Capri, where Limoncello originated more than one hundred years earlier. We learned that more than 70,000 bottles of Limoncello di Capri are produced each year by the factory in Anacapri. The liqueur is made exclusively with lemons of Sorrento, which are characterized by low-acid juice and exceptionally fine essential oils in the peel. Today, there are many producers of Limoncello, but few can match the perfect fusion of color and flavor that distinguish Limoncello di Capri.
Making Your Own Limoncello
Lemons, Vodka, Sugar and Water... That's It!
My mother found a wonderful Limoncello recipe while reading In Tuscany by Frances Mayes. We have an ancient, but treasured lemon tree in our backyard and decided to attempt a batch ourselves. My husband's mother was staying with us at the time, so it became a family affair, each of us taking turns stirring the lemony mixture with a wooden spoon. Most of our Limoncello was distributed to family and friends, accompanied by a bottle of grappa, to be enjoyed the Italian way.
Riccardo's Limoncello Recipe
Frances Mayes' In Tuscany
This recipe by Riccardo Baracchi was featured in the Frances Mayes' bestseller, In Tuscany.8 organic lemons
1 quart vodka
14 ounces sugar
1 quart bottled water, brought to a simmer
Peel the lemons, leaving a little white attached to the peel. Reserve the lemons for other uses. Put the peels in a large container together with the vodka, close it well, and leave it in a cool place for at least 4 days, preferably a week. Gently shake a couple times a day. The peels will lose their brilliant yellow color.
On the fifth day or later, prepare a syrup of the sugar and hot water, making sure the syrup never quite boils. Stir and simmer 5 minutes, then after the sugar has dissolved, allow the syrup to cool. Strain the lemon-scented alcohol through cheesecloth or a strainer, discard the lemon peels, and mix the alcohol into the syrup. Shake well before bottling. Let the limoncello sit for 2 to 3 days. Serve cold as an apertif. Makes 2 quarts.
Frances Mayes & Tuscany
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Under the Tuscan Sun : At Home in Italy
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) 
Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
In Tuscany
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Bringing Tuscany Home: Sensuous Style From the Heart of Italy
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bringing Tuscany Home (Conran Octopus General)
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Got Fresh Lemons?
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Gourmet Holiday Gift Basket - Chef Select Sweet Meyer Lemons
Amazon Price: $36.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Ultimate Citrus Bar
Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Sweet Meyer Lemon Mini Pack
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 07/12/2009)
Making Limoncello Step-By-Step
Click on any image to enlarge
Start with organic lemons
Gently wash fruit
Peel away zest, the outside yellow layer
Scrape the pith off the rinds
The rinds of almost 30 lemons
Reserve lemons for other uses
Put peels in large container with vodka
Cover, leave in a cool place for several days
Prepare simple syrup of sugar and water
Strain lemon-scented alcohol mixture
Mix lemony alcohol into cooled syrup
Pour mixture into bottles
Let sit for several days
Enjoy!
Lemon Zesters & Peelers
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KitchenAid Lemon Zester, Red
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Oxo Good Grips Lemon Zester
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Lemon Peeler with Zester - 6 inch
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
A Few Facts About Limoncello
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy, mainly in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri, but also in Sicily, Sardinia, Menton in France and the Maltese island of Gozo. It is made from lemon rinds (traditionally from the Sorrento lemon, though most lemons will produce satisfactory limoncello), alcohol, water, and sugar. It is bright yellow in color, sweet and lemony, but not sour since it contains no lemon juice.
Unlike many other liqueurs, limoncello is easy and inexpensive to produce, requiring only sugar, water, lemon zest, alcohol, and time to mature. Homemade limoncello often has a stronger, more pronounced lemon flavor than brands sold in stores. To do this, pure 96% alcohol must be used and it should be diluted only after extraction, as 40% vodka does not extract all the oil flavors from the peel.
Different varieties of lemon are used to produce different flavors. The variety of lemon used is usually dictated by region. Various alcohols can be used to give distinct flavors. A higher proof alcohol maximizes extraction of the lemon flavor, whereas darker alcohols add complexity of flavor. Higher quality sugars used in the infusion process create a sweeter liqueur.
Try Danny DeVito's Premium Limoncello...
Made Exclusively from Sorrento Lemons
Serve Your Limoncello in Style
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![TOSCANA Limoncello Set (6 Cups + decanter) [Prod. 1900/SET-SIC]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4154E52HDJL._SL160_.jpg)
TOSCANA Limoncello Set (6 Cups + decanter) [Prod. 1900/SET-SIC]
Amazon Price: $178.00 (as of 07/12/2009)
Serve Limoncello the Italian way. This lovely decanter from Artistica Italian Ceramics measures 12-inches high, and is accompanied by six serving glasses. It's fully glazed inside and out, and 100% dishwasher safe. If you love Limoncello, this is a great item for your kitchen and home decor. TIP: Keep Limoncello in the freezer until ready to serve.
Limoncello... Not Just for Sipping
Lemon Sorbet Drizzled with Limoncello and Blueberries
More Lemony Yumminess
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Kuchen Meister Limoncello Liqueur Cake - pack of 2
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
This Limoncello liqueur cake is a delicious fresh baked vanilla cake, refined with original Limoncello liqueur. The cake is attractively packaged and imported from Germany. It makes a perfect holiday dessert gift.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Limoncello Gourmet Items on Amazon
Caprese al Limoncello
Summertime Sipping
Limoncello Spritzers
Summer is the perfect time for treating your guests to delicious and refreshing Limoncello over ice. Better yet, serve a batch of Limoncello Spritzers. Fill 6 tumblers halfway with ice. Stir 1/2 cup of limoncello and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into each glass. Top with club soda and garnish with lemon and a fresh sprig of mint. Serve immediately.The party planning professionals at Partybluprints.com have included this recipe in one of their summer party plans. If you're passionate about parties, you'll love this lens... it's packed with entertaining tips!
Nonalcoholic Limoncello Soda
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Sopranos LIMONCELLO SODA "Molto Limone!", 12-Ounce Glass Bottle (Pack of 12)
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Sopranos Limoncello Soda is a delightful nonalcoholic adaptation made with real lemon juice and natural sugar. Sopranos is the first to offer this world famous flavor as a carbonated soda.
Limoncello Links
- Limoncello di Capri
- At the start of the last century, Vincenza Canale, owner of a pensione on the island of Capri, was the first to offer Limoncello to her guests. Her descendants formed Limoncello di Capri in 1988, the first company to patent and use the word Limoncello.
- Frances Mayes Official Website
- Frances Mayes has written several books about Tuscany and often shares her passion for Italy in a number of food and travel publications.
- Limoncello Delicatessen
- For a unique online shopping experience, try none other than Limoncello, an Italian delicatessen in Cambridge, England.
Limoncello Fashions & More
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:imoncello Ornament (Oval)
Price: 8.49
Greeting Card
Price: 4.49
Italian Lemon Still life Framed Print
Price: 39.99
Discover the Amalfi Coast
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Sunflower Guide Sorrento, Amalfi & Capri: Car Tours and Walks (Sunflower Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Time Out Naples: Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast (Time Out Guides)
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 07/12/2009)
Adventure Guide Naples, Sorrento, The Amalfi Coast: Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, Positano (Adventure Guides Series)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/12/2009)
Experience the Beauty of Italy
- Great Gunns Travel
- Everything you need to plan your trip.
- Hotel Morgana ~ Rome
- We stayed in this lovely hotel in Rome, conveniently located within walking distance to the train station. We highly recommend their full-day excursion to Naples, Capri and Anacapri, which includes a delicious lunch and a quick stop in Sorrento.
Who's Tweeting About Limoncello?
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Limoncello on Twitter
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Image used under Creative Commons from shamballah (Flickr)
Limoncello on Twitter
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- TizBanana
- @AhmNoHere @frak I know someone who made it here, could ask for you... home made Limoncello is good :-)
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- mergyeugnau
- Oh so true. RT @TizBanana: Limoncello <--- you complete me.
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- TizBanana
- Limoncello <--- you complete me.
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- JoanArkham
- @crafting_change Gah. I think I have a sugar hangover. Too much limoncello ...
Benvenuto...
Have you ever tried Limoncello?
paperfacets wrote...
Hi Socal neighbor,
Oh those Capri and Sorrento pics are wonderful. I was there once. Someone I knew at work said you can't give more than 100%. But this lens you made lots of extra credits! I lens rolled you back. Thanks. Of course, all the best lenses take two years to make!
Posted June 08, 2009
PepperAnn49 wrote...
Wow! Great lens. I'm new to squidoo, and I will be checking out your lenses. I think they're beautiful, inspiring and gives me an idea of what I would hope to achieve some day. Thank you!
Posted June 07, 2009
Beautiful-Bridal wrote...
I adore limoncello! What a beautiful and informative lens. Great job.
Posted June 07, 2009
CCGAL wrote...
Wonderful lens - excellent example for me to learn from. Loved it.
Posted May 31, 2009
Pengwen wrote...
How awesome this lens is...its so awesome Danny DiVito's apart of it. Definitely going to try the recipe. http://www.squidoo.com/Key-West-1
Posted May 29, 2009
Grazie, SquidTeam & Giant Squid Organizers!
Limoncello di Capri received a Purple Star on May 8, 2009.-
Purple Star Recipients
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Purple stars have been the topic of much chit chat for a little while now. And, now they are a reality and the lenses featured here are proof. In the modules of this lens you're going to find the recipients of Squidoo's Purple Stars. These lenses ar...
Thank You, Cabaret Squidoo!
Limoncello di Capri was featured on a food blog by writer and lensmaster, rms. For interactive cooking fun, be sure to visit and participate in Cabaret Squidoo. It's truly a feast for the eyes!-
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Dedicated to the ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
This lens supports the ASPCA in their fight against animal cruelty. Squidoo makes it easy to help homeless and abandoned animals who are waiting for a second chance in life. Getting started takes just a few simple steps... build a lens on any topic and donate your Squidoo royalties to the ASPCA. Visit the ASPCA home page for additional information on how to make the world a better place for our animal companions. Please Support the ASPCA
The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it's saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources wi
Photo Courtesies
Images used under Creative Commons (Flickr)
Limoncello Ceramic Jar Photograph by morgan.davisLimoncello of Sorrento Photograph by Savannah Grandfather
Limoncello Cream Photograph by Jason
Limoncello Bottles Photograph by chakote
Limoncello Bowl Photograph by designatednaphour
Capri Rocks Photograph by Paul Resh
Capri Green Door Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Blue Grotto Boats Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Blue Grotto Cave Entrance Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Blue Grotto Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Cliffs Photograph by theritters
Capri Arbor Photograph by theritters
Capri Harbor Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Ruins Photograph by NileGuide.com
Capri Vista and Urn Photograph by NileGuide.com
Sorrento Balcony Photograph by Gosewisch Family
Sorrento Lemon Trees Photograph by Tokuriki
Sorrento Harbor Photograph by robbie jim
Sorrento Stairway Photograph by Savannah Grandfather
Sorrento Path Photograph by Boobooo
Sorrento Cliff Photograph by robbie jim
Sorrento Market Photograph by Savannah Grandfather
Sorrento Church Photograph by Savannah Grandfather
Sorrento Swimming Photograph by Savannah Grandfather
Sorrento and Vesuvius Photograph by robbie jim
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