We make our own limoncello every year.  After all, what are you going to do with all those lemons in Arizona? We have always had lemon trees, and had to find something to do with them. If you are not familiar with Limoncello, a Knock You On Your Butt beverage, it is an Italian invention,  basically made from lemon zest, sugar, and High Octane spirits, such as Everclear.  I am almost embarrassed to tell you that I had never tasted, nor even heard of Everclear.  It is like 100% proof.  I never even drank it in High School!  Also, if you google Limoncello recipes, you will find all kinds of methods.  Even Giada uses vodka, and only “ages” hers a week.  But as much as I think Giada is a cute Italian, I have to say our method is so much more  like the REAL DEAL.  Ours takes 12 weeks to make, in two six week sessions, and after it is complete,  you store it in the freezer.  It is not a beverage you guzzle down at parties.  The Italians use it after a meal to “settle” their stomachs.  We frequently serve it at the end of a party (if we like the people).  It is served in tiny little glasses that you keep in the freezer, as is the drink itself.  Literally only about one ounce is served.  But it IS potent…….ask me how I know.    Now, the segue into the Limoncello margaritas!

This was shared with me by my dear friend, Debra Thomas, who found it on Pinterest: Full disclosure :  the blog site is called “Simply Sated”, author is Susie Gall.  I do not take credit for this recipe, but I DO take the blame for what I did to change  it after Debra sent it to me.  Here it is as sent it to me:

LIMONCELLO MARGARITA

2 oz. frozen lime  or lemonade concentrate

2 oz. water

2 oz. Triple sec

2 oz. Sliver Tequila

1/2 oz. Agave Nectar

Rim the glass with salt, sugar, and lemon zest–shake in cocktail shaker and serve in small glasses filled with ice.  This is STRONG!!!  and SWEET!!!!  but deelish if you can just sip it–as the ice melts it will help tone it down a bit…..

NOW, here is my version.  First of all, I had no Triple sec, or any Orange liquor, on hand.  I considered substituting Peach Schnapps, but decided to go with non alcoholic Mandarin Oranges instead.  So here is my recipe that made the pitcher shown above:

1 can frozen limeade (I think this is 12 ounces)

Fill the can with Silver (clear) tequila. * This is a personal preference, as I do not like the flavor of the yellow tequilas.  If you do, use it!

Fill the can again with Mandarin oranges (or one 5 oz. can OR two of those little plastic snack paks of the oranges–do not drain

Two cans of crushed ice.  Note:  for “lightweights” you can always add orange juice, Sprite, or Club Soda.  I like Club Soda to tone down the sweetness.

Whirl all above in blender and serve with LOTS of ice, as it is extremely strong. You can store it in the freezer, and because it is so strong it really doesn’t freeze.  And,  here is where I differ with the original author.  I do not consider this a margarita at all.  They are pretty specific beverages.  However, after a couple of these…….who cares?????