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Doni’s Limoncello

1 dozen large, clean lemons (use more, if they’re small; try to find organic or home-grown lemons, if possible)
1.75 liters cheap vodka (preferably 100 proof, but 80 proof will work, too)
7 cups water
3 1/2 cups sugar

Remove just the yellow rind from the lemons. (The white pith is bitter.)

Pour the vodka into a wide-mouthed jar or container, preferably glass. Add the lemon peel. Cover tightly.

Leave the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2 to 8 weeks. (The longer it steeps, the more flavorful and colorful it will be.) Don’t stir it or fuss with it.

Weeks later ….

Boil the water and sugar in a heavy pot on the stove, stirring occasionally, for between 5 to 8 minutes, or until the syrup starts to thicken.

Remove from heat. Let cool.

Strain the lemon rinds from the vodka. (If you used a microplane, a final strain through cheesecloth will help remove remaining particles.)

Pour the cooled, simple syrup into the strained lemon liquid.

Pour into bottles. Allow bottles to rest for another 10 days or so in a cool, dark place.

Store the sealed bottles in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve or give as gifts.

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