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Clemencello

Name: Clemencello
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: Makes about 1.5 litres
Cuisine: Italian recipes
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

Published: 30 Nov 12
Updated: 4 Oct 24

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.

Medium
December 2012

Test kitchen approved

Makes about 1.5 litres
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

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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

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Method

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.
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.
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.

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.
To serve as a liqueur, chill in the freezer for several hours before drinking, then pour into small glasses.

Recipe from December 2012 Issue

Nutrition

Per 25ml serving

Nutrition: per serving

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

delicious. tips

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.