Lemon liqueur

For many connoisseurs of sweet alcoholic beverages, lemon liqueur is a favorite treat, which not only has an unusually pleasant citrus flavor, but also has excellent taste qualities.

It is worth noting that in general, a sweet alcoholic drink is called liquor, which is characterized by an average strength and a special subtle aroma. Preparation of liquor at home is carried out in two ways: firstly, by infusing an alcohol base on berry-fruit raw materials and, secondly, by extracting juice from berries or fruits with subsequent addition of sugar syrup with alcohol to it.

As for lemon liqueur, its preparation is not much different from the manufacture of other types of similar drinks. The only difference is that lemons, like all citrus fruits, are characterized by the presence of a thick crust, from which only the thinnest outer layer is cut - the so-called zest. This part contains special substances - essential oils, due to the use of which the ready-made lemon liquor has an incomparable aroma.

Homemade lemon liqueur is made by infusing lemon zest on alcoholic raw materials, which can be used not only high-quality ethyl alcohol, but also good vodka, brandy or whiskey. After time, the zest gives alcohol all essential oils and the result is a lemon infusion, colored saturated yellow. It is to it that chilled sugar syrup is added. Often, lemon liquor also includes juice that is squeezed from these citrus fruits.

It is customary to consume lemon liqueur in its pure form as a digestif, as well as as accompanying dessert dishes or as a table drink. In addition, lemon liqueur acts as an excellent flavour additive when making a variety of cocktails. Many culinary professionals use lemon liqueur as a fragrant supplement in the process of creating their delights, in particular, pastries, desserts and other delicious dishes.

In its pure form, lemon liqueur is served chilled in small tall glasses, which are pre-aged in the freezer until the walls are covered with a thin ice layer. Sometimes food ice is added to the liquor itself.

This is not to say that one of the most famous types of lemon liqueur is the Italian liqueur Limoncello. For the most part, this famous drink is produced in southern Italy, in particular, on the islands of Capri, on the coast of Amalfi, in Sicily, Ischia, Sardinia. Limoncello lemon liqueur is made by infusing lemon zest (not distillation), and therefore the finished drink contains a considerable amount of such valuable vitamin C.