Portofino in a glass

It's the same every summer - I want to save the feeling of life, the impressions, the sun, the lightness and the warmth, somehow preserve it, but I rarely succeed. Now I have an idea: I'll make limoncello.

Its color alone is so intoxicating that even without the considerable alcohol content, this wonderful extract from the south would beguile all the senses.

Lemons

When preparing it, we pay particular attention to organic lemons whose peels are also suitable for consumption, as they are used whole and are the heart of the glory. We also recommend using slightly unripe lemons, as they release a more intense aroma.

The skin should be rather smooth but thick.

Approach

With regard to alcohol, it should be noted that the higher the percentage, the shorter the standing time. For example, a 95% alcohol content can produce fantastic limoncello after just one week. If it is around 60%, it takes up to 3 weeks.

Fresh to work

To prepare, we recommend a floral apron (for both sexes) and a playlist that is not too italophile. For the color of the lipstick, we recommend a light summery shade like a translucent rosé.

What we need

750 ml high-proof alcohol (as described above)

approx. 10 large lemons

after some time:

800g sugar

1l water

🍋 First of all, you need a large, very clean preserving jar (preferably rinsed out hot)

🍋 Now carefully peel the lemons with a peeler - try not to peel the white flesh as this contains a lot of bitter substances

🍋 Pour the alcohol over the lemon peel and "mash" with a wooden spoon

🍋 Leave to infuse in a dark place (the duration depends on the alcohol content - at 95% you will get a very round taste after 2 weeks of infusion, with a lower percentage it will take longer)

🍋 The jar should be shaken once a day.

🍋 After the standing time has elapsed, bring the sugar and water to the boil and dissolve the sugar, stirring constantly. Then leave to cool.

🍋 In the meantime, strain the lemon-alcohol mixture through a fine sieve or, even better, a sieve cloth and then add the sugar syrup - this is what creates the deliciously milky consistency.

🍋 Fill into clean bottles and enjoy.

We love limoncello. It's not just great as a liqueur on its own, it also sweetens up many a balmy summer evening when spritzed with ice-cold soda. A few drops on tart ice creams such as basil also create an explosion of flavor.

As always, there are no limits to your imagination. Have fun!