Lemon Digestif (Italian Crema di Limoncello)

The Italian digestif crema di limoncello combines custardy richness with the punch of alcohol and the intensely floral aroma of lemon zest. Traditionally, the drink is made by steeping strips of lemon zest in a neutral spirit such as vodka for a month or more to extract their flavour and aroma; the infused alcohol is then swirled with dairy, vanilla, and sugar. To speed the infusion process without compromising flavour, we processed zest and vodka together in a blender, which served to mechanically release the zest's flavour compounds as well as to create more surface area from which the alcohol could extract flavour more quickly. After just one week, the processed zest infused the vodka with as much flavour as vodka steeped for a month with strips of zest. While many recipes call for cream to make the drink, we preferred half-and-half thinned with a bit of water, which gave our drink a luxurious consistency but also kept it light and refreshing.

5 lemons, scrubbed and dried
1 bottle 80-proof vodka (375 mL)
½ vanilla bean
2½ cups half and half cream
2 cups sugar
½ cup water

Use vegetable peeler to remove only yellow zest from lemons. Process lemon zest and vodka in blender until lemon zest is reduced to fine particles, 15-30 seconds. Transfer mixture to airtight container and store in cool, dark place for 1 week.

Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Using tip of paring knife, scrape out seeds. Combine vanilla bean and seeds, half-and-half, sugar, and water in medium saucepan and bring to simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring frequently, until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside and let cool completely.

Strain vanilla mixture through cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh strainer set over medium bowl. Strain zest mixture through strainer and press on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Whisk to combine. Transfer to bottle and refrigerate until cold. Serve in chilled glasses. (Crema di limoncello can be refrigerated for up to 1 year.)

Makes 20 servings or 5 cups.