Kumquat Liqueur (A Kumquat Version of Limoncello)
Kumquat liqueur is similar to limoncello, but based on kumquats instead of lemons. It’s a great way to use kumquats if you have a generous harvest.
There’s a little story behind this kumquat liqueur. Two years ago, my mother was with me at my local Costco, and we were waiting in line at the return desk, watching people as they pushed their carts out after finishing their shopping.
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Someone walked past with a kumquat tree in their cart and my mother gasped, and I must admit, it was a lovely little tree. Then another person went by with a kumquat tree, and I could tell my mother was going to lose it. You see, my mother doesn’t ooh and aah over shoes, or jewelry or fancy cars; she loses her cool over babies, baby animals, and–plants!
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So when someone pushed the third kumquat tree past us within a matter of about three minutes, I knew it was a sign. Yep, while we were shopping and went past the fruit trees, we put a kumquat tree in our cart, too.
The only thing was that my mother lives in Michigan, so I was the one getting the tree, having no clue where I’d even put it (good thing it was a small tree for patio growing).
That little tree was so prolific its first year, it was very surprising, and it had even more this year, so Mum and I decided to have a go at making a kumquat version of limoncello. Before that, we’d only eaten kumquats fresh. Editing to add, there are so many ways to use kumquats, like this kumquat jam and kumquat cupcakes.
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I had written down a recipe Zia Iolanda had given me when I was about 19, and I also adapted part of my Zia Francesca’s limoncello recipe that I use and made my own recipe for this concoction. It turned out really good, but fair warning, it’s very strong–like a good limoncello. You can add some milk or cream when serving.
Kumquat Liqueur
makes about one bottle (750ml) recipe adapted from my Zia Iolanda
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- kumquats
- cane alcohol
- sugar
- water
Directions
Peel the kumquats, and place the rind in a large glass jar or container then cover with the alcohol. I recommend using a pure cane alcohol for the best flavor. Seal with a lid leave in a cool, dark place for 10 days.
At the end of 10 days, strain the alcohol and discard the rinds.
Bottle the Kumquat Liqueur
Put the sugar and 10 ounces of water into a pot over medium heat, and stir to melt the sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
When cool, mix the sugar syrup with the alcohol and strain again, this time using a cheesecloth or even some paper towel inside the tea strainer (like I used in the photo above), then pour into small bottles or one larger bottle.
Keep the Kumquat liqueur in the freezer and enjoy as is, or even mix it with some milk for a creamy, and less potent version.
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Kumquat Liqueur (A Kumquat Version of Limoncello)
Ingredients
- 2 cups kumquats
- ½ liter pure cane alcohol 45 proof (see notes)
- 1 cup sugar
- 10 oz water
Instructions
- Peel the kumquats, and place the rind in a large glass jar or container then cover with the alcohol. Seal with a lid leave in a cool, dark place for 10 days.
- At the end of 10 days, strain the alcohol and discard the rinds.
- Put the sugar and 10 ounces of water into a pot over medium heat, and stir to melt the sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely. When cool, mix the sugar syrup with the alcohol and strain again, this time using a cheesecloth or even some paper towel inside the tea strainer (like I used in the photo above), then pour into small bottles or one larger bottle.
- Keep the Kumquat liqueur in the freezer and enjoy as is, or even mix it with some milk for a creamy, and less potent version.
Notes
- Use milk (or milk and cream) for a creamy kumquat liqueur.
- Try to find pure cane alcohol (do not use vodka) if you use 190 proof, use only 250 ml and increase the water to 600 ml.
Nutrition
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I’ve made Limoncello and love it! So this really appeals to me. How cool to find a Kumquat tree in Costco! I’m like your mom – I get excited about asparagus in the garden and a good harvest of fruit. I bet you had to work hard to peel all those fruits! Wonderful!
These liqueurs are so simple to make, but people are really impressed by them, Tricia. Yes, actually Costco sells lots of fruit trees here in LA. :)
Wow, how big are your cumquat fruits that you can peel them like that Christina? I love the sound of this one… have always wanted a cumquat tree. Only managed to get lemons in the last three years, so this is still on my list x
These kumquats are definitely large enough to peel, much larger than ones I’ve seen the the store. Yes, I’d say if you can grow one, get one! They are so tasty (I did a post on how to eat them so they are sweeter: squeeze the sour juice out)!
Love that liquor or limoncello ish liquor. Sounds wonderful. Your bottle is beautiful.
Thank you, Suzanne!
I’m confused! You say alcohol and that you don’t recommend unflavored vodka, so what do you recommend? =) Did I miss something?
Hi Debbie, I’ll have to go back and clarify as I can see how you misunderstood the recipe. What I meant is that you should use alcohol as a first choice, but I know it’s hard to find in some states, so I suggest vodka as an alternate choice, but I know that it doesn’t taste as good. Is that more clear? Let me know, thanks! CC
Well, I’m not very well versed in liquor or spirits, so I guess I don’t know what “alcohol” is. We use vodka for some recipes and brandy for others and we make our own wine from our blackberries and pears. =)
Can you buy Everclear in your state, Debbie? That is pure alcohol, stronger and better for making liqueurs.
Dear Christina,
This sounds yummy. I never had a Kumquat tree before. Here on Long Island I don’t think it would work well with the weather so different. But I do love Kumquats and your recipe sounds like it would be something I would love. I understand your mom, I would get excited like that of course about foods, but my other passion is yarn as you know I knit and crochet. So if I saw yarn go by three times in a cart, I would go back in the store and find that yarn. God bless your mom, she sounds like such a fun person. Enjoy your drink…Thanks for sharing. Have a great and fun week….
Dottie :)
No, kumquat trees definitely wouldn’t grow on Long Island, Dottie. Especially with a winter like you just had! I dont’ think I would survive! haha! That’s lovely that you knit and crochet, I’m useless at those! Have a lovely week!
My neighbor has a beautiful kumquat tree – I’m going to bring her some scones in exchange for some of her fruit – I love this!
That’s what I call a win-win situation! CC
Ok Christina, I just love your mother. Yes a kumquat tree would be very exciting to me too. Love that you got enough harvest to make this lovely liqueur. The color is beautiful and I can almost taste it…mmmm. Wonder if you could candy that infused rind? Absolutely loved this post!
That’s funny that you said that about making candy from the rind because my husband tasted one and said it was delicious as it was! However, I forgot that kumquat rind is sweet and threw them in the garbage! He wasn’t too happy! I think I’ll edit the recipe to mention if someone wants to experiment with the rinds, there’s already at least one fan! :)
When I lived in Orlando I had several kumquat trees and when I moved to Australia I was determined to have them here. I planted several in enormous pots on the deck and then we moved. I should get some more big pots because they are really beautiful.
I never thought about making limoncello-ish with them!
That’s a shame to have to leave plants and trees behind! I actually brought a palm tree with us when we moved from our old house, so I understand the feeling! CC