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
Support the ASPCA
Under the Tuscan Sun : At Home in Italy
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009) 
Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
In Tuscany
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Bringing Tuscany Home: Sensuous Style From the Heart of Italy
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 11/27/2009)
Bringing Tuscany Home (Conran Octopus General)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Got Fresh Lemons?
Support the ASPCA
Gourmet Holiday Gift Basket - Chef Select Sweet Meyer Lemons
Amazon Price: $36.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
The Ultimate Citrus Bar
Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Sweet Meyer Lemon Mini Pack
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Limoncello di Capri
A Few Facts 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.
Lemon Zesters & Peelers
Support the ASPCA
KitchenAid Lemon Zester, Red
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Oxo Good Grips Lemon Zester
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
6" Lemon Peeler with Zester (13-0368) Category: Peelers
Amazon Price: $2.09 (as of 11/27/2009)
"7"" Zester/Peeler"
Amazon Price: $4.10 (as of 11/27/2009)
Lemon Peeler
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Try Danny DeVito's Premium Limoncello...
Made Exclusively from Sorrento Lemons
Serve Your Limoncello in Style
Support the ASPCA
![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 11/27/2009)
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
Support the ASPCA
Kuchen Meister Limoncello Liqueur Cake - pack of 2
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
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
Support the ASPCA
Sopranos LIMONCELLO SODA "Molto Limone!", 12-Ounce Glass Bottle (Pack of 12)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
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
Limoncello Designs on CafePress
Italian Limoncello Bib
Price: 12.99
Italian Limoncello Women's V-Neck Dark T-Shirt
Price: 29.99
When Life Hands You Lemons Magnet
Price: 5.99
When Life Hands You Lemons Yellow T-Shirt
Price: 24.99
Limoncello Infant Bodysuit
Price: 19.99
Discover the Amalfi Coast
Support the ASPCA
Sunflower Guide Sorrento, Amalfi & Capri: Car Tours and Walks (Sunflower Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Time Out Naples: Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast (Time Out Guides)
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 11/27/2009)
Adventure Guide Naples, Sorrento, The Amalfi Coast: Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, Positano (Adventure Guides Series)
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
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?
-
Limoncello on Twitter
-
Image used under Creative Commons from shamballah (Flickr)
Limoncello on Twitter
-
- Lindat44
- Well my Limoncello glass is empty so time for bed....
-
- Lindat44
- a nice refreshing Lemon Z Limoncello with soda, I think I'll sleep well tonight.
-
- bluephill
- #Erasmus grant on its way, trip to #Trento tomorrow and #Limoncello almost ready. Result.
-
- Allstargemstar
- Still stuffed by dinner @Limoncello lastnight ☺ and then today's brunch @Grill Tokyo with Putter&Shane!hmm Kobe!¤ http://pic.gd/27d47d
-
- EstelleFolle
- het doet een beetje pijn vandaag #limoncello
Benvenuto!
Have you ever tried Limoncello?
-
Reply
- kimmanleyort kimmanleyort Nov 11, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
- Gorgeous lens. I too tried limoncello (and orangecello) in Italy. I am definitely going to try some of your recipes. They look great!
-
Reply
- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Nov 6, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
- I have never had limoncello. It sound delicious!
-
Reply
- heyniceaddress heyniceaddress Sep 20, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
- I was fortunate enough to stay in a villa on Capri for one week a few years ago.
Needless to say, there the Limoncello flows like water.
-
Reply
- rjsccbd rjsccbd Aug 14, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
- Does anyone know where to buy limencello on line?
-
Reply
- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Aug 14, 2009 @ 1:17 am | in reply to chefkeem
- Thanks for the blessing! The Sopranos Limoncello Soda is delicious and alcohol free.
- Load More
Grazie, SquidTeam & Giant Squid Organizers!
Limoncello di Capri received a Purple Star on May 8, 2009.-
Purple Star Recipients
-
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!-
Cabaret Squidoo Best Recipe Blog Posts
-
Cabaret Squidoo - Online Recipe Cookbook Looking for fantastic recipes served up in an entertaining way? Visit Cabaret Squidoo to find the best of the best Squidoo Recipe lenses. The Cabaret Squidoo blog features interactive recipes served up by Sq...
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
Creative Commons License
Plagiarism is No Laughing Matter
© 2009 Kim GiancaterinoThis Squidoo Lens by Kim Giancaterino is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Mona Lisa Simpson © FOX Broadcasting Company
About the Author
Lensmaster KimGiancaterino has been a member since October 30 2006, has rated 8,047 lenses, favorited 3,957, and has created 288 lenses from scratch. Kim Giancaterino donates their royalties to Asante Africa Foundation. This member's top-ranked page is "Diary of a Squid Angel (2009)". See all my lenses
Explore related pages
Italy Headquarters- Benvenuto! This is a group for all lenses Italian. Anything goes... recipes, fav...
Limoncello on Twitter- Image used under Creative Commons from shamballah (Flickr)
Stay at a Working Farm in Tuscany- I discovered Fattoria Voltrona while planning my wedding, which was to take plac...
Kim Giancaterino Lensography- Welcome to my Squidoo lensography, a complete collection of my Squidoo lenses. Y...
- Stay at a Working Farm in Tuscany
- I discovered Fattoria Voltrona while planning my wedding, which was to take plac...
Dress Up Your Next Wine Bottle Gift or Party Favor- While writing a lens on wine totes I found an assortment of beaded wine bottle c...
