Bottega's Limoncello Recipe | Cook the Book

Limoncello is a southern Italian lemon liqueur that is made primarily in Sicily and Sardinia and traditionally served at the end of the meal as a digestivo. Limoncello works equally well before the meal as an apertivo, which is how we're presenting it this week as part of the menu for a full Italian meal.

Meyer Lemon Bitters

Lime leaves pierce through the perfumy nature of Meyer lemons with a sharp punch, while bitter orange, fennel, and spices create earthy undertones for balance.

Lemon Italian Ice

Making bright and tart Lemon Italian Ice at home is super easy. All you need is some sugar, water, a whole bunch of lemon and some lemon extract.

DIY Melon Liqueur

The key to finding a melon-flavored liqueur that is not cloyingly sweet: make it at home.

Fresh Lemon Syrup

Whether you're juicing standard supermarket lemons or their seasonal Meyer cousins, save the rinds for this vibrant yellow syrup. It's pure sunshine in a bottle, made from nothing but sugar dissolved by the acidic pulp—no cooking required! Since there's no added juice, it tastes more sweet than sour, but is balanced by the subtle bitterness of lemon oil.

Ultra-Flavorful Fresh Lemonade

This fresh lemonade gets the maximum flavor out of just two ingredients (three if you count water).

DIY Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower cordial perks up a drink by adding a little sweetness and a light floral touch. For less than a dollar, you can make a delicious elderflower mixer that tastes a bit like a lemon bar mixed with a light, floral tea.

DIY Orange Liqueur

Top-shelf orange liqueurs are pricey, while bottom-shelf options can drag a good drink into the gutter fast. But homemade orange liqueur is just right...and it's a blast to make.

DIY Peach Liqueur

This liqueur complements spirits, citrus, and sugar so well that I'm not sure why it isn't more common in cocktails.

Lemon Italian Ice

Did you know that in order to make classic Italian ice, aka granita, you first need to make lemonade? We learn to make both in today’s episode.