When life gives you lemons, forget making lemonade, make Limoncello!

Ingredients

• 12 lemons
• 1 litre pure alcohol or use vodka
• 3 1/2 cups sugar
• 5 cups water

Method

1. Carefully pare or peel the rind from the lemons. Use a thin-bladed flexible knife to shave away any remaining white pith. Divide the peel into two large bottles and then pour over equal amounts of alcohol or vodka into each. Seal tightly. Leave in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks to macerate. Shake daily - if you remember.
2. Stir the sugar and water together in a large saucepan and heat over a moderate flame until the sugar has dissolved. Cool.
3. Strain the alcohol from the lemon rinds. Discard the rinds and return the alcohol to the bottles. Pour equal quantities of sugar syrup into each bottle. If you have made the limoncello with pure alcohol then it will turn opaque, otherwise vodka-based limoncello will remain clear.
4. Keep refrigerated and serve in small amounts over ice or use to add zoosh to a glass of champagne.