Homemade limoncello

Ingredients:

• 4 organic lemons, thoroughly washed and dried, or Meyer lemons
• 2 cups of 40% vodka, such as Tito's
• 3/4 cup sugar or 3/4 cup store-bought sugar syrup + more as needed

Preparation:

1. Using a grater, remove only the yellow part of the lemon zest, being careful not to remove the bitter white pith. You should have about 1/4 cup of zest. Transfer the zest to a jar or other tightly sealed container. Add vodka, seal, and shake. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
2. Strain the infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. You may need to line the sieve with a coffee filter to catch all the zest. Discard the zest (or dry it and add it to the salt for garnishing the rims of your Margarita glasses).
3. If you're making homemade sugar syrup, combine the sugar with 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set the syrup aside to cool completely.
4. Mix 3/4 cup of sugar syrup (or more if desired) with the infused vodka. Store in a tightly sealed bottle in the freezer for up to 6 months.
   
   
   DOP stands for Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (Protected Origin). This designation is given to tomatoes, cheeses, oils, and other products produced in a specific region of Italy under strict growing and processing regulations.