Finally found Sandy Waters recipe that she wrote on a napkin, no wonder it was hard to locate.
I found it very easy to make, very easy to follow and really not much to making it, it was the sitting that made it hard, hard to wait for, I was thirsty.
"Sandy Waters Limoncello"
**7 lemons, 5 for zest, 2 for cutting into chunks
1 bottle 100 proof vodka
4 c sugar
5 c water
*1/2 t clear real vanilla [optional]
Wash the lemons, dry off with paper toweling, zest 5 of them and then cut up in chunks the other two, make sure to remove all seeds you find in them.
Place zest and lemons in sterile glass pitcher [big enough to hold the bottle of vodka plus the lemons plus the syrup]. Pour vodka over lemons. Cover with Saran and place in dark cool area for 5 days. Don't remove plastic and don't disturb.
Bring to boil, the 5 c water with the 4 c sugar, cook until sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy. Let cool completely. If using the vanilla, add now to the syrup, stir. Pour the syrup in the pitcher over the vodka and lemons, stir. Place Saran over top of pitcher, back in dark place, and test it after 30 days, will either be ready or not quite depending on lemons used. If not quite there, leave only until 40 days. Place large fine sieve over large bowl, strain to remove all solids and place in bottles of choice. Store in refrigerator and drink ice cold.
*Sandy says that she likes it best when using the vanilla because to her it softens the bite of the lemons very slightly. I opted to use it and did with the Limecello too.
**I used Myer lemons because that's what mom has in her yard and I prefer them, they're not as sour or bitter to me. Regular lemons are perfect too.
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