DIY Lemon Extract

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Homemade lemon extract: because sometimes, life gives you lemons and you make something awesome. A perfect project for when you're feeling a little extra zesty.

serves/makes:

ready in:
over 5 hrs

ingredients

1 large lemon, washed
1/2 cup vodka

directions

Peel the lemon with a vegetable peeler or zester, removing only the zest, not the white pith. Scrape off any pith that comes off with the peel.

Combine the lemon peel and vodka in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the vodka to a boil and let boil for 1 minute.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Pour the peel and vodka into a glass jar and seal the lid. Let the lemon extract stand in a cool, dark location for 2 weeks, gently shaking the jar occasionally.

When ready to use, strain the extract through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark location for up to 3 months.

recipe tips

Use an organic lemon or well-washed lemon to avoid pesticide residues in your extract.

Using a glass jar is important as it won't react with the alcohol or lemon oils.

Label your jar with the date you started the infusion so you can keep track of the infusion time.

The longer you let the mixture infuse, the stronger the lemon flavor will be.

Store the extract in a cool, dark place, like a pantry, to preserve its flavor and prevent degradation from light.

If you want a more intense flavor, add more lemon peels to the vodka, but be sure they're fully submerged.

Shake the jar gently every few days to mix the flavors.

Strain the extract thoroughly to make sure not small pieces of lemon peel are left in the final product (it can cause the extract to turn rancid).

Homemade lemon extract makes a great gift for food enthusiasts or for anyone who loves baking.

Use your homemade lemon extract in recipes like lemon cookies, cakes, or anywhere you'd use store-bought lemon extract for a fresh, zesty flavor.

This lemon extract not only adds flavor to recipes but can also be used in homemade cleaning products for a natural lemon scent.

common recipe questions

Can I use any type of vodka for this recipe?

Yes, any type of plain vodka will work. It doesn't need to be high-end since the lemon flavor will be the most prominent but it shouldn't be the cheapest either.

Is it necessary to boil the vodka and lemon peel?

Boiling helps to release the oils from the lemon peel more effectively, but you can also just combine them and let them infuse without boiling. The flavor may not be as strong or it may take longer than 2 weeks to infuse the vodka.

How long does homemade lemon extract last?

Properly stored, it can last up to a year. But we recommend replacing it after 3-6 months. The flavor may gradually diminish over time. If the extract becomes discolored, discard it immediately.