How to Make Homemade Lemon Extract

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup 80 proof (40% alcohol by weight) vodka

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the zest from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon sugar and ½ cup 80 proof (40% alcohol by weight) vodka. Don’t use the pith (white part) of the lemon- just stick to the yellow – as the pitch is bitter.

Place zest, sugar and vodka in a lidded, glass jar.

Shake the bottle once a day for at least a month, and you have homemade lemon extract. I usually aim for two to three months. The flavor will improve with age.

Strain the finished extract through cheesecloth, a coffee filter or a flour sack towel to filter and place in a dark bottle. Alternatively, just pour off a small portion for use and allow the rest to continue steeping.

Store in a cool, dark location.