A trip to IKEA inspired one of my hand made Christmas gifts this year. Actually, I've had this idea on the back burner for a few years, but never started it soon enough for Christmas.
After a friend offered sips of
Limoncello brought home from her trip to Italy a few years ago, I was hooked. I wanted that sweet lemony goodness, the beautiful golden rinds floating in the rustic bottle. I wanted to make
Limoncello!Gather your
ingredients:20 large lemons
1 large bottle of 100 vodka (a "handle" I think it's 1/2 gallon)
1 half gallon of simple syrup
Using a potato peeler, peel just the skin (no white) from the lemons. Add the skins to any large, lidded jar (I used my summertime Sangria jar, but an old olive jar or even several canning jars would work).
Pour in the vodka and let sit for at least 3 weeks (I soaked mine for 6 weeks). You will see the alcohol take on the rich, yellow color of the lemons over time.
After 3 weeks (or as long as you choose), make the
simple syrup:9 cups water
9 cups of sugar
Bring to a boil and reduce until syrupy.
Add the room temperature syrup to the alcohol and let sit for another week. Pour into bottles or jars and store in the freezer.
I'm using these
IKEA hinged bottles. They are rustic looking, just the right size, and just the right price ($2.99!)
To give away as gifts, I will be wrapping the bottle with burlap and twine, and tucking in some greens for a simple presentation.
Go on, girl! Let's hit up the liquor store! You have time to make yours if you begin today!
Don't forget that your opportunity to link up your own
Hand Made Christmas Gift Ideas will be on Friday. Right here for a linky party!
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