Easy Homemade Zesty Lemon Extract Recipe in Vintage Bottles
A simple and rewarding recipe to make your own zesty lemon extract using fresh lemon peels and vodka, perfect for baking, cocktails, and cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 to 6 weeks (infusion time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of lemon extract 1x
- Category: Ingredient Preparation
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 large organic unwaxed lemons
- 1 cup (240 ml) good-quality vodka (around 40% ABV)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
- Use a vegetable peeler or microplane to remove thin strips of yellow zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Place the lemon peels in a clean glass bowl or jar and pour the vodka over them, stirring gently to submerge all peels.
- Transfer the mixture into vintage or airtight glass bottles using a funnel and seal tightly. Label with the date.
- Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking gently every few days to blend flavors.
- After about 3 weeks, strain the extract through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle to remove zest pieces.
- Seal and store the extract in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes
Use only the yellow zest to avoid bitterness from the white pith. Choose a clean, neutral vodka like Tito’s or Smirnoff. Shake the bottles gently every few days during infusion. Store in a cool, dark place. The extract flavor intensifies over time; taste after 3 weeks and continue steeping if needed. For an alcohol-free version, use food-grade glycerin but expect longer extraction time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 1015
Keywords: lemon extract, homemade lemon extract, zesty lemon extract, lemon zest, vodka extract, citrus extract, vintage bottles, homemade flavoring