Dad's Limoncello

I want to do business in Italy.

My dad used to do that, mostly in the Naples region, and would always come home with different and amazing recipes that his hosts generously passed along. Although proper Italian food is an art form that I'm sure none of the family could really master, making a good batch of limoncello is another thing.

Sure, it's easier to just buy a bottle in the store, but you'll never get a really great taste of limoncello until you make it yourself. It's not difficult but is involved, and evokes a bit of a bootlegger/bathtub gin kind of feel. This has become a family tradition, and in the spirit of passing along the love, I'm sharing the recipe so y'all can enjoy this tasty treat.

Although limoncello is great any time of year, warm weather months are particularly great for imbibing. Drink it the traditional way - in an aperitif glass as a digestive after dinner - or mix it with soda and ice for a refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:
20 large lemons (Sorrento lemons, if you can get them)
1 liter Everclear
1 -1.5 liters water
3 3/4 cup sugar

* Peel the lemons and soak the peels only in 1 liter of Everclear for 7 days.
* After 7 days, strain the liquid into a separate container.
* Bring the water to a boil (I use 1.5 liters - are you kidding? You can use 1 though, if you're brave)
* Dissolve the sugar in the water, and then allow to cool
* Combine the Everclear with the sugar water, pour into bottles, and chill in the freezer.

Keep this in the freezer for maximum refreshment.

Drink responsibly, and enjoy!