A: Crema di limoncello has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months. It should be kept in a cool place but does not require refrigeration. It contains milk/cream but it also has sugar and alcohol, which are potent preservatives. Therefore it is much more shelf stable than milk or cream alone.
Ive gotten a lot of questions from readers over the years and by far, the single largest category has to do with the math of creating a batch of limoncello with the proper proportions of ingredients. However, another big question–perhaps #2 although a distant second–concerns how long you can keep a bottle of limoncello around. Ill start with the short answer.
Whether the limoncello is opened or unopened (mine above was opened) doesnt really matter. It also doesnt matter whether the limoncello is commercial or homemade because alcohol is an excellent preservative. Keeping it in the freezer the whole time, while a waste of freezer space, probably does slow the decline of the flavor as colder temperatures tend to do in most cases.
As you can see in the photos, it is from batch #4, a batch that I reviewed on the site so I know its about five and a half years old at the time of tasting. It hasnt been well cared for either, it was sitting in my basement at both houses. So I said “what the heck,” Ill take this opportunity to see if this stuff holds up.
The verdict? This particular example held up very well! My main problem with this batch was a roughness in the flavor and all that time resting really subdued the alcohol. The limoncello was still flavorful and it is now pretty smooth as well. So, my final opinion used to be that you can rest limoncello as long as you like.
However, Ive visited with some folks who keep a much more detailed history of their limoncello-making than I do (I know…strange but true) and there is a downside to resting limoncello TOO long. While its still ok to drink, as in “not repulsive,” it does become insipid after about 2 years on the shelf. It loses a lot of the lemon-y flavor it once had. That just leaves you with simple syrup and high-octane liquor.
Crema di Limoncello
How to Make CREMA DI LIMONCELLO Like an Italian Nonna
FAQ
How long does cream limoncello last unopened?
Does limoncello ever go bad?
What is the difference between limoncello and limoncello cream?
Should you age limoncello?
How long does Limoncello cream last?
If Limoncello Cream turns out too strong for your taste, simply add 2 extra tbsps of sugar and increase the amount of cream to make it equal parts with milk. Limoncello Cream is best stored in the freezer. It will last up to 4 months. As an alternative you can store it in the fridge and chill it in the freezer for 2 hours before serving.
How long do lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Whole or uncut lemons generally last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge when it is properly stored, but could last up to 4 weeks. You can generally tell when fruits begin to expire by the skin becoming wrinkly and shrunken.
How do you store Limoncello cream?
The limoncello cream can be enjoyed on its own as a digestive after a meal, or added to crushed ice to create a sort of grenadine, to enrich an ice cream sundae or even to flavor the cream of a dessert filling. In all cases it will still be a delight! Conserve the drink in the fridge in a airtight container or tight fitting jar or bottle.
Can you freeze crema di limoncello?
The mixture will not freeze fully in the freezer due to the alcohol, so it’s the best method for storing the crema di limoncello. Though this mixture is prepared with lemons, there are many choices beyond lemons to marinate with the alcohol to provide the flavor of the mixture.