What You’ll Need
- 10 lemons
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 2 cups of grain alcohol or high-proof vodka
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- A large glass jar (with airtight lid)
- A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Bottles for storing the Limoncello cream
Step 1: Zest the Lemons
Start by thoroughly washing and drying all the lemons. Using a zester or grater, carefully remove the zest from the lemons, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Place the zest in a large glass jar.
Step 2: Infusing the Zest
Pour the grain alcohol or high-proof vodka over the lemon zest in the glass jar. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit undisturbed in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days. This will allow the alcohol to extract the flavor from the lemon zest.
Step 3: Making the Cream Mixture
After 7 days, it’s time to prepare the cream mixture. In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil.
Step 4: Combining the Infused Alcohol and Cream Mixture
Once the cream mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain the infused alcohol into the saucepan using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze out any liquid remaining in the zest. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Bottling and Aging
Using a funnel, carefully pour the Limoncello cream into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. The longer you let it age, the smoother and more flavorful the cream will become.
Serving Suggestions
Limoncello cream can be enjoyed chilled on its own or used in various cocktails and desserts. Here are a few serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:
- Mix a shot of Limoncello cream with sparkling water and crushed ice for a refreshing spritzer.
- Drizzle Limoncello cream over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato for a decadent dessert.
- Add a splash of Limoncello cream to your favorite lemon-inspired cocktails, such as a lemon martini or lemon drop.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made homemade Limoncello cream. From zesting the lemons to bottling the final product, we hope you enjoyed following this step-by-step guide. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor the creamy and tangy goodness of your very own Limoncello cream creation. Cheers!