Quick Citrus Infusions: Make Limoncello and Arancello Sous Vide in Just 2 Hours!

Looking for a shortcut to the zesty flavors of homemade limoncello and arancello without the traditional weeks of waiting? With sous vide and a trusty Avid Armor chamber vacuum sealer, you can whip up a batch of these citrusy liqueurs in just two hours! These delightful recipes come from the talented Monica Lo of @sousweed, who shows us how to make the most of the sous vide technique.

Whether you’re after the bright zing of limoncello or the warm, spiced notes of arancello, the sous vide method infuses the vodka with intense citrus flavors in record time. The vacuum sealer ensures a secure, airtight seal, preserving all those vibrant aromas and locking in the flavors during the cooking process. So, get your lemons and oranges prepped—it’s time to dive into a fast-track recipe for crafting deliciously smooth, chilled liqueurs to enjoy at home!

How to Make Limoncello

Ingredients:

• 6 lemons
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Prep the Lemons: In a bowl, soak 6 lemons with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. Scrub the lemons to remove any wax or impurities.
2. Zest the Lemons: Carefully remove the zest from the lemons, ensuring that you avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
3. Vacuum Seal: Place the lemon zest in an Avid Armor vacuum seal bag, add 2 cups of vodka, and vacuum seal the bag.
4. Sous Vide Infusion: Set your sous vide machine to 135°F (57°C) and immerse the sealed bag. Cook for 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. Prepare Simple Syrup: In a separate container, dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 2 cups of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
6. Combine and Bottle: Once the sous vide infusion has cooled, open the bag and strain the vodka into the simple syrup. Mix well, then transfer the limoncello into bottles and chill.

How to Make Arancello

Ingredients:

• 6-8 oranges and mandarins
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups hot water
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Prep the Citrus: Soak 6-8 oranges and mandarins in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. Scrub them thoroughly to remove any wax or impurities.
2. Zest the Citrus: Remove the zest from the oranges and mandarins, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith.
3. Vacuum Seal: Add the citrus zest and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to an Avid Armor vacuum seal bag with 2 cups of vodka, then vacuum seal the bag.
4. Sous Vide Infusion: Set your sous vide machine to 135°F (57°C) and immerse the sealed bag. Cook for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Prepare Simple Syrup: Dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 2 cups of hot water and allow it to cool to room temperature.
6. Combine and Bottle: After the sous vide infusion has cooled, open the bag and strain the infused vodka into the simple syrup. Mix well, then bottle the arancello and chill.