rustic lemoncello

There is nothing better than making something of your own! Lately, I have been experimenting with liquor. A holiday favorite in Italian households is to make your own lemoncello. I love the idea of creating a cocktail for the holiday especially something that is a flavor of the season and very inviting. Each families recipe for lemoncello is a little different, though the main ingredients do stay the same, lemons, sugar, water, and over proof alcohol. For your pleasure, below is a recipe to make your own lemoncello and a cocktail (Rustic Holiday) I love! 

Lemoncello:

Ingredients

11 lemons

1 (750-ml) bottle Everclear (you can use +140 proof vodka)

3 cups water

3 cups sugar

Directions:

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). 

Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. 

Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. 

Steep the lemon peels in the Everclear for a minimum of 3 days up to a week. 

Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. 

Cool completely. Combine your newly created simple syrup with the lemon/Everclear mix.

Cover and refrigerate. 

Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. 

Transfer the limoncello to bottles. 

Seal the bottles and place in freezer until cold, at least a few hours and up to 4 months.

Rustic Lemoncello:

Ingredients

1 ounce  lemoncello

3 ounces bourbon

3 ounces cranberry juice

Directions:

Combine ingredients into a shaker and stir. Pour over ice into your favorite lowball glass or ball mason jar.