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.
Looking for more kumquat recipes? Just click here: kumquat recipes!
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
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)
A "limoncello" type liqueuer made from kumquats.
Ingredients
- about 2 cups of kumquats
- 1/2 liter (500 ml) of alcohol, 45 proof (see notes)
- 1 cup (250 g) sugar
- 10 oz (300 ml) 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 600ml
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 40 Serving Size: 1 small glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 0gCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information is only estimated.
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I can’t wait to try this! Short Wikipedia search shows that Everclear is grain alcohol and the lowest proof that is made is 120 (60% alcohol) and goes up to 190 proof (95% alcohol). Not sure if you’re using Everclear or some other alcohol? 45 proof would be 22.5% alcohol content and low to average for a liqueur…before adding the sugar water. Most vodka is 80 proof (40% alcohol), which is why liqueurs are often lower than that in alcohol content (diluted by the sugar water). I think I’ll try the 120 proof and see how it goes! Sounds like a wonderful bright drink to sip during the snowy winter, reminding us that summer is coming. Thanks again!!
Dear Christina,
Late questions:
1.Is the weight of 2 cups of kumquats similar to 500 gramm?
2.We have only 95 alcohol, will it work?
Thanks in Advance,
Since I don’t have kumquats right now, take a cup that holds 8 oz of liquid and fill it with kumquats (2x).
If your alcohol is 95 proof, that is double the strength of what I use, so use half the amount and replace the other half with water (or you can adjust to your own liking. You could use it full strength and dilute it afterwards, too. Good luck!
Hi Christina,. My reaction would be the same as your mom’s times 10!! Writing from Ottawa Canada and would love to get your and/or help from your readership. I would love to find out which Costco US locations sell kumquat plants or which nurseries sell kumquat plants. I have had absolutely no luck in Ottawa in my quest to own kumquat plants. Many thanks in advance. I would so love to try out your recipe for kumquat liquour. The recipe is so lovely.
Hi Jen, I think it would be difficult for you to find a kumquat tree in your location (you’d probably have to mail order one, IF they’d send it to your location). You know that you’d also have to bring it inside for the winter, right? Only other option would be driving to a place like Florida to buy one and bring it home! Yikes!
I am five years late to the game. Made one batch and my husband really likes it. We had a bumper crop this year so am making more. Question- how long will it keep in the fridge once made?
hi Sharon! NEVER late to the liqueur game! :) I don’t keep mine in the fridge, but it’s a liqueur, should last for years! Enjoy!
Second bottle in process. Second question. Is there anything I can do with the alcohol soaked (120 proof) kumquat rinds? Part of me hates to throw them away, but they are way to strong to eat air add to stuff.
Hi Sharon, I too hate to throw things away, but all the goodness and flavor has been taken out and as you said, too strong to eat or use, so unfortunately, I don’t have a suggestion :(
If you use the whole kumquat for your liqueur, when finished (I leave mine for 3months) the fruit can be dipped in chocolate.
I use 120 proof (60% alcohol) There is no need to keep it in the freezer.
I am still sipping the liqueur made over 10years ago.
Mike
South Australia
Best to keep in the freezer, will last as long as you don’t drink it lol
Haha!
[…] Kumquat Liqueur (A Kumquat Version of Limoncello) […]
When I was in Corfu I bought some Koum Quat (liqueur) and candied kumquats. Both were delicious, but especially the Koum Quat. When I got back to the states, I tried to buy some and had no luck. Apparently they don’t ship outside Europe. Since then I have wanted to make my own. I have made limoncello, but that used only the zest – deeper than the zest is quite bitter. I was surprised to learn that the kumquat rind is sweet, but that makes sense, because the candied kumquats were not bitter. This spring my wife gave me a kumquat tree about two feet tall, and I was amazed at how many (small) kumquats it produced the first season. I plan to use your recipe, but I was wondering…is there some use for the juice and pulp?
[…] Got kumquats? Try this kumquat liqueur! […]
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