Limoncello

 

Makes 1 litre (13 pints)

500ml (18fl oz) vodka (or gin if you prefer)

pared zest of 3 unwaxed lemons

2 lemongrass stalks

500g (1 lb. 2oz) caster (superfine) sugar

3 good sprigs of lemon verbena

 

Pour the vodka into a 1 liter (13/4 pint) jar, add the lemon zest, lemongrass and stir well. Leave for a week to infuse. In a large pan over a medium heat, add the sugar to 500ml (18fl oz) water, stirring until it is dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add the lemon verbena to the vodka and pour in as much of the warm syrup as will fill the bottle. Once cool, place in the fridge. It will be bright and lively initially, mellowing and deepening in flavor over time: both are excellent.