Limoncello

12 whole lemons

1 cups sugar

1 bottle (1 liter) vodka

Juice the lemons and reserve the juice for another purpose. Cut the squeezed lemons into quarters, then place them in a large pitcher with a lid (or one that can be easily covered with plastic wrap).

Add the sugar and mix well to help extract any remaining juice. Add the vodka (saving the empty bottle) and stir well.

Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. After a day, stir the mixture, cover and return to the refrigerator. Repeat daily for at least 4 days and up to a week, until all sugar is dissolved.

Use a mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a medium bowl, using a spoon to press the lemons to extract all of the liquid. Use a funnel and ladle to transfer the limoncello to the reserved vodka bottle. Cover and store in the freezer.

Limoncello will keep for up to three months in the refrigerator and indefinitely in the freezer.

Makes 1 liter.

Michael Waterhouse, co-owner Devin Tavern and Dylan Prime, New York