Homemade Lemon Extract
Ingredients:
5 Lemons
1 1/Cups Vodka or Everclear
Instructions:
*You want to start by washing the lemons and then dry them.
*Then using a zester or a citrus twist peeler, remove the zests from all the lemons. You just want to make sure you are only getting the yellow part of the peel. The white part will make the extract bitter. If you get a few pieces of the white in there it is ok, just try and avoid as much of it as you can.
*Next add the zest to a jar and pour the vodka over it. You want to make sure that all of the zest is submerged in the vodka. Place the lid on the jar and keep in a dark area.
*Every few days over the next four weeks give it a shake.
*After four weeks, strain off the liquid from the zest making sure to keep the liquid. Add the liquid to a bottle and toss the used zest.
This zesty extract will make the perfect addition to your baked goods this spring 🍋.
Making homemade lemon extract is a rewarding kitchen project that anyone can do with a bit of patience. I tried this recipe and found that the quality of the lemons really impacts the final flavor. I recommend choosing fresh, unwaxed organic lemons to avoid any unwanted chemicals affecting your extract. When zesting, try using a microplane zester for thin, even strips of peel. Avoiding the white pith is crucial because it contains bitter compounds that can spoil the delicate citrus flavor. If you accidentally include a bit of pith, don't worry—just keep it to a minimum for a smoother taste. Using a good quality vodka is also important since it acts as the solvent extracting the aromatic oils from the zest. I personally prefer vodka over Everclear since it's less potent but still extracts well. Keep your jar in a cool, dark place and give it a gentle shake every few days to redistribute the oils. After about 4 weeks, strain the zest through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. The resulting liquid is a wonderfully fragrant lemon extract that adds a fresh zing to cakes, cookies, and even cocktails. One tip I learned is that you can make smaller batches and experiment with other citrus peels like lime or orange for unique homemade extracts. Also, homemade extracts can be stored in a sealed, dark bottle for up to 6 months, retaining their strong flavor. This is a fantastic natural alternative to store-bought extracts that often contain artificial ingredients. Plus, making your own lets you control the quality and intensity of the lemon flavor in your baking and cooking. Give it a try, and soon you'll have a special pantry ingredient that makes your homemade treats stand out with a genuine burst of lemon zest!
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