This traditional Italian liqueur looks beautiful in decorative glass bottles that show off its bright-yellow color. For added effect, tuck in some lemon leaves, which are available at many florist shops (just be sure to wash them well before blanching). If you're giving the limoncello as a gift, you'll want to start it well in advance, since it requires a week of steeping. It's best drunk cold, so you may want to refrigerate the bottle before handing it over, in case the recipient wants to crack it open on the spot. It's also delicious poured over fresh strawberries.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 2 (750-milliliter) bottles

　　1 (750-milliliter) bottle vodka

　　peel from 8 lemons, cut into wide strips (yellow part only)

　　4 lemon leaves (optional)

　　2 cups sugar

　　

Step 1

In large glass jar or bottle, combine vodka and lemon peel. Seal and let stand in cool, dark place 1 week.

　　

Step 2

If using lemon leaves, in medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to boil. Add leaves and blanch 10 seconds, then drain and rinse under cold running water. Pat dry.

　　

Step 3

In medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups water and sugar. Bring to boil over high heat, then boil, uncovered, 15 seconds. Measure 750 milliliters of syrup (reserve remainder for another use) and stir into vodka mixture. Strain mixture, discarding lemon peel, and pour into decorative bottles. If using lemon leaves, tuck 2 into each bottle. Seal bottles with stoppers or corks and label with year.

　　

Step 4

Limoncillo will keep, chilled, at least 1 year.