How to Make Lemon Extract at Home
Lemon extract is facilely made at home utilizing only three ingredients: lemon zest, sugar and vodka. The hard part is sitting tight for the flavors to imbue; it takes no less than 2 months for them to completely develop. But homemade lemon extract is worth the wait because the flavors are rich and lively, sans artificial sweeteners or additives. In this recipe, dried lavender adds an eminent floral aroma that prairs well with tart lemon.
Start to Finish: 5 minutes, plus 2 to 3 months infusing time
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup 80-proof vodka
Step 1: Zest the lemon
Zest a lemon with a microplane grater, removing as much as possible of the bright yellow zest while leaving the bitter pith behind.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add the lemon zest, dried lavender, sugar and vodka to a glass jar and screw the lid on securely. Shake the jar until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 3: Wait For It
Store the jar in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. Shake the jar once a day, or at least once every couple of days, for 2 to 3 months. Periodically taste the extract until you are satisfied with the flavor. The flavor of the lemon extract will improve with age.
Step 4: Use It
When it is ready to use, strain the extract through a cheesecloth into another jar. Twist the cheesecloth around the lemon zest and lavender to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Alternatively, leave the zest and lavender in the jar to continue infusing, straining off only what you need.
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