Creamy Limoncello

This recipe is in Gourmet April 2008

Active time: 20 min
Start to finish: 4 days
(includes soaking and chilling)
Servings: Makes 8 servings


6 lemons 

2 cups good-quality vodka (16 ounces)

1/2 gallon low-fat milk (8 cups)

1 cup sugar

Using a peeler, remove zest from lemons (about 5 strips per lemon), reserving fruit for another use. Scrape white pith from zest strips, then soak zest in vodka at room temperature for 4 days.

Strain through a fine sieve, discarding zest, and transfer vodka to a glass bottle (preferably 2 quart).

Simmer milk and sugar in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 4 cups, 25 to 30 minutes. (Skim off any foam.) Cool completely, then add to vodka. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.

Limoncello keeps, chilled, 1 month. Shake before serving.