Clemencello

Clemencello

This is just like the Italian lemon liqueur limoncello, but made with clementines. It makes a great edible gift – but make sure to start it in good time, as it needs at least 15 days to infuse.

Clemencello

  • Serves icon Makes about 1.5 litres
  • Time icon Takes 15 min to make, 2 min to cook, plus 15 days infusing

This is just like the Italian lemon liqueur limoncello, but made with clementines. It makes a great edible gift – but make sure to start it in good time, as it needs at least 15 days to infuse.

Nutrition: per serving

Calories
53kcals
Fat
none
Protein
none
Carbohydrates
4.4 (4.2g sugars)
Fibre
none
Salt
trace

Per 25ml serving

Ingredients

  • 16 clementines (unwaxed if possible)
  • 1 litre 100 proof vodka (50 per cent alcohol by volume – you can use 40 per cent but it won’t keep as long)
  • 250g granulated sugar
Sticky screen? No thanks! Tap to prevent your screen from going off while cooking.

Method

  1. Wash the clementines well, then gently grate off the zest, taking care not to press so hard as to go through the skin and into the fruit.
  2. Put the zest in a large, sterilised, sealable jar and pour over half the vodka. Seal and set aside somewhere cool for about 5 days, giving the jar a shake every now and then.
  3. Put 280ml water and the sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and leave to cool completely. This is important because if the syrup is warm it will result in a cloudy liqueur.
  4. Pour the clementine-infused vodka through a sieve lined with 3 layers of muslin into a jug, then mix with the remaining vodka and (cold) sugar syrup. Pour the mixture into cold, sterilised bottles, seal tightly with corks or airtight lids, then set aside in a cool, dark place for 10 days before using.
  5. To serve as a liqueur, chill in the freezer for several hours before drinking, then pour into small glasses.

Nutrition

Per 25ml serving

Calories
53kcals
Fat
none
Protein
none
Carbohydrates
4.4 (4.2g sugars)
Fibre
none
Salt
trace

delicious. tips

  1. Make this at least 15 days before you give it away. Stored in a dark cupboard, it will keep for 8-12 months. It’s best served straight from the freezer.

Buy ingredients online

Subscribe

Fancy getting a copy in print?

Subscribe to our magazine

Rate & review

Rate

Reviews

Share a tip

Or, how about...?

Save recipe icon Save recipe icon Save recipe

Marmalade recipes

Clementine and bay marmalade

Our modern twist on classic British marmalade combines juicy clementines...

Save recipe icon Save recipe icon Save recipe

Upside-down cake recipes

Clementine upside-down cake with marmalade

You can do more with marmalade than simply spread it...

Save recipe icon Save recipe icon Save recipe

Last minute Christmas recipes

Clementine cocktail

Enjoy this festive clementine cocktail recipe with canapés on Christmas...

Save recipe icon Save recipe icon Save recipe

Make-ahead Christmas dessert recipes

Caramelised clementine and almond trifle

Make this ultimate trifle recipe with soft sponge, caramelised clementines,...

Subscribe to our magazine

Food stories, skills and tested recipes, straight to your door... Enjoy 5 issues for just £5 with our special introductory offer.

Subscribe

Unleash your inner chef

Looking for inspiration? Receive the latest recipes with our newsletter

We treat your data with care. See our privacy policy. By signing up, you are agreeing to delicious.’ terms and conditions. Unsubscribe at any time.