Description
This alcohol-free limoncello is a refreshing citrus drink made with fresh lemons, sugar, and water. It captures the essence of the classic Italian liqueur, offering a tangy, sweet flavor without the alcohol. Perfect for a family-friendly treat or as a light mocktail!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 fresh lemons (preferably organic)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Zest the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly and zest them, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. You’ll need about 4–5 lemons’ worth of zest.
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Infuse the Syrup: Add the lemon zest to the syrup and simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, allowing the lemon flavor to infuse. Stir in lemon extract, vanilla extract, and optional honey/agave syrup for sweetness.
- Cool and Strain: Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the zest.
- Store: Transfer the strained syrup into a glass jar or bottle. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the syrup before storing it and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or honey.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it, though the texture may change slightly.
- Flavor Variation: For a unique twist, add other citrus fruits like oranges or limes to the zest mixture. This will deepen the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 35
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 0g