Ally

by James Martin
from James Martin: Sweet

James Martin's recipe for limoncello - an intensely lemony Italian liqueur. Serve ice-cold as an after-dinner digestif

* Servings: makes about 1 litre
* Level of difficulty: Easy
* Preparation Time: 15 minutes, plus 1 month infusing
* Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

* 200g caster sugar
* 150ml water
* zest and juice of 6 unwaxed lemons
* 700ml eau-de-vie (colourless fruit liqueur), 40-80% proof, or vodka

Method

1. Put the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil, then simmer briskly for 3-4 minutes until the bubbles look syrupy. Leave to cool.

2. Add the lemon zest and juice to the syrup while it is still slightly warm. Then add the eau-de-vie or vodka.

3. Pour into sterile bottles or jars and seal.

4. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 month, shaking every day for the first week. After a month the lemon liqueur will be ready to drink. Strain into clean bottles.

5. Put in the freezer for several hours before serving. The liqueur is best served in frozen shot glasses.