How to make your own pompelmocello (or grapefruit limoncello) using seasonal grapefruits and Everclear. Start now, drink later.
I’ve left you waiting unintentionally. My intentions were to come back and tell you a story or two, share a recipe and even a fun something I have been sitting on (tomorrow). Good intentions don’t get you very far, though. Forgiveness will.
So, here I am asking you for a bit of forgiveness in my absence, as it’s now time to celebrate. The book is tucked away. The pages have been proofed and combed through, and there’s nothing left for me to do but…okay, are still things for me to do, but the majority of it is out of my hands and in the competent hands of the team at HCP now.
It’s time for a toast. Really, my family started toasting the minute I sent in my last photo. There was soup. Then eggs. Biscuits and gravy. We had a steak dinner, the very first we’ve had from our portion of a cow that was delivered a whole five months ago now. We’re making up for lost time, the family dinner and I. Ole’s enjoying not being the only one cooking at 5:00, and I’m enjoying not being tied down elsewhere for the busiest hours in the family day.
Some things are worth waiting for, like this toast to turning the page in my life, to moving into the waiting phase of my book. Infused alcohol takes time, just like writing a book, but the ultimate reward is sweet in the end.
While the citrus is in season, why not take a few peels (avoiding the pith) and let them bathe for a while in a strong alcohol. This is where the waiting starts, and as the peel and the alcohol start to mix and meld and infuse their flavors together, the seasons will change, the snow will melt and the citrus will become scarce. Yet you’ll have this reminder of the time that has passed and how it was worth waiting for.
This toast is not just for me. It’s for you. Really, I can’t say enough about the people in this online space, the readers, friends and family who have been supportive the entire way through the process. Thank you.
750 ml Everclear (151 proof) or vodka
3 cups water
1 1/2 to 2 cups granulated sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
Carefully peel the grapefruit or zest, avoiding the pith. In a large canning jar or other airtight container add the grapefruit peel and pour the Everclear over the top, completely covering the peel. Seal the jar and place in a cool, dry place for 20-40 days, agitating regularly.
After the peels and alcohol have seeped, in a medium saucepan combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until all sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Line a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter. Slowly pour the alcohol and the simple syrup through the filter and the strainer into a large container. Stir to combine and pour into bottles or jars. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve chilled.
Makes approximately 1.25 liters pompelmocello
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this recipe… so delicious, Shaina! Cheers to you, too!
Yes, I failed to mention that I have been sitting on it since I started writing the book… Oops.
Cheers girlfriend!!!!
We need to get together again SOON!
Yes. It’s been far too long.
I love grapefruit, so this is right up my alley!
I’ve never really been a huge grapefruit fan, but I can see it being fantastic in booze! Lovely photos, Shaina.
That looks like an amazing drink! So happy that you have finished your book, I’m really looking forward to it!
Cheers! Here’s to you finishing your book, what a great feeling that must be to have it done!
It’s been such a pleasure to work with you and see you build a road to what’s next. Which should be something awesome.
A toast to you, dear Shaina! Another toast to Ole, for picking up the slack. And then that’s all the booze I’m allowed for now. As for you, bottoms up!
Cheers! Congratulations Shaina. So looking forward to the book.
Congratulations on the completion of your book. I join in the cheers!
I am so proud of you and incredibly happy for you! I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. Cheers to you friend – you deserve it!
I’m so happy for you, Shaina. Kudos to you (& your family!) for successfully pulling off your first book. I can’t wait to see it & clink a glass with you! 🙂
Wow! When I’m done with my Whole 30 food challenge, I am definitely making this. What a treat! I love grapefruit.
Congrats on finishing your book! Pomelo is an auscpicious food for Chinese New Year, so timely!
I am tucking this one away to make very soon. I’ve had limoncello, but never pompelmocello … can’t wait to try it. Also, congratulations on finishing your book. Soon it will be in your hands.
Congrats!!!!
Congratulations, Shaina! This sounds like just the thing after ALL THAT WORK!!!
Congrats, Shaina – it’s definitely cause to celebrate!!
Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects? Thanks a ton!
Yay, for you and your family! That is a lot of hard work. So glad you have a more minutes back in your day-that is definitely cause for celebration.
What a perfect drink to celebrate finishing up your book! Enjoy this time!
YES!! I love everything about this – obsessed with grapefruit and will absolutely be making it!
Congrats! I love anything with grapefruit. I could eat it every day for breakfast!
Me too! I’m a grapefruit lover and a Salty Dog is one of my favorite brunchy cocktails. This would be like a Salty Dog in a bottle – yay! (And yum!)
Shaina, this is such a gorgeous celebration of grapefruit! Love the name “pompelmocello” too!
There’s nothing fresher than grapefruit – this looks delicious!
YUM and yay for you, Shaina!
You deserve so many wonderful things! XO
yum-my. Looks so refreshing! 🙂
Congrats on finishing your book I’m a grapefruit lover too.
Thank you for posting this recipe! I have two grapefruit trees (one white grapefruit and one Ruby Red) that go into overdrive when it is their season. I have been seeking a tasty pompelmocello recipe for quite a while and am delighted to see this. I must now exercise patience and wait until the trees are ready again to make multiple batches of this delicious treat. Pompelmocello sounds like just the gift to give for holidays and host gifts. 🙂
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WooW i’ve never try it with grapefruit! i’m a huge fan of limoncello and arancello i even try it with tangerines and is just delightful but grapefruit? sounds like a something to do! 😀 thanks!