Limoncello

Endless lemon groves covered by a bright blue, cloudless sky, magical villages with picturesque streets and just around the corner the sparkling sea: When we enjoy limoncello , we automatically feel like we have been transported to the “land where the lemons bloom”. Goethe had already fallen hopelessly into Italy. Did he already taste the seductive liqueur back then? Whatever the case, the Mediterranean specialty is undoubtedly one of the most popular spirits in the world today. In this article you will find out why, how you can enjoy the liqueur and why Limoncello is something very special even without alcohol.

The popular liqueur is produced precisely in the Italian regions that embody the famous "Dolce Vita" for us: along the paradisiacal Amalfi Coast, in the beautiful Gulf of Naples and on the sunny island of Sicily. Its extraordinary aroma and intoxicating scent are primarily due to the (of course untreated) lemon peels. Of course, only the best, fruitiest and most intensely flavored varieties are used!

The production involves several complex work steps. Particular care must be taken when peeling the lemons, as the white under the peel has no place in the liqueur. It would give it an undesirable bitter note. The lemons must therefore be peeled very thinly. Once this step is completed, the bowls are allowed to steep in 95 percent alcohol for about four weeks. Then add a mixture of sugar and warmed water. After another resting period, the liqueur is filtered. It now has an alcohol content of between 30 and 35 percent and is usually enjoyed ice cold. Either as a fruity aperitif or digestif before and after a meal or as a sparkling ingredient for creative cocktails. It is even ideal for cooking, baking and desserts! By the way: If you avoid hard liquor, you can also enjoy limoncello alcohol-free !

There are several ways to make your own delicious lemon liqueur . However, for all variants you need around ten untreated organic lemons. Peel these carefully and thinly with a vegetable peeler so that nothing white remains. Now put the shells in a container and add, for example, 0.7 liters of grain. Leave the container in a cool place for at least two weeks. Shake occasionally. Then sieve and collect the liquid. Now boil 800 grams of sugar in around 300 milliliters of water and let the whole thing simmer for a maximum of ten minutes. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, the liquid must first cool down. Now the solution is mixed with 100 milliliters of lemon juice and the lemon schnapps made. Store in a cool place, let it rest for a while and then enjoy as you please! Alternatively, you can also use vodka or - this recipe is particularly close to the original - 95 percent alcohol. You can usually get it at the pharmacy. If you want to make limoncello yourself, you will need some time and patience because the liqueur must be able to brew well.

Did you know that you can also use the popular lemon liqueur very well in the kitchen? For example, for a wonderfully delicious limoncello tiramisu or a refreshing cream with cream cheese and cream yoghurt . It doesn't matter whether you make the limoncello yourself or use a finished product. Non-alcoholic limoncello is also a great option, especially if children and/or pregnant women snack on the dessert! But the fruity liqueur wouldn't be an all-rounder if it wasn't also suitable for baking. A cheesecake with limoncello, for example, is simply irresistible at any time of the year. Or try a juicy limoncello cake ! It instantly becomes a star on every coffee table and literally melts in your mouth. Of course, non-alcoholic limoncello can be a tasty alternative here too. Fine limoncello cookies can be on the Christmas plate. In addition to the liqueur, all you need is flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, an egg and a little lemon juice. The result is simply heavenly! That leaves the classic: limoncello sorbet . With a hint of mint and basil, it provides a wonderful kick of freshness on hot days. Extra tip: The sorbet becomes particularly sparkling if you add Prosecco to the limoncello!

Yes, limoncello can be alcohol-free! Dr. With San Limello, Jaglas offers you an alcohol-free alternative that doesn't have to hide behind the high-proof original in terms of taste and is very versatile. For example, you can prepare it as an aperitif , cocktail or “ spritz ” and experience unique taste moments that, just like the high-proof version, will take you mentally to “Bella Italia”. Even though limoncello is alcohol-free , it carries the fresh acidity of ripe lemons, which is complemented by lovely notes of honey and grapefruit. Non-alcoholic limoncello tickles the tongue and delights the palate. He represents the typical Italian “Dolce Vita” and radiates a carefree joy of life. Ideal for pregnant women and anyone who avoids alcohol for a variety of reasons!