Lemon syrup adds a refreshing and tangy burst of flavor to desserts and beverages! It is versatile, simple to make, and is ready in minutes with just 2 ingredients.
I'm a huge fan of homemade simple syrups. They're surprisingly easy to make and you can make soooo many different flavors.
When I have some fruit to use up, I often whip up a batch of simple syrup in a few minutes. Then, it's used to flavor soda, cocktails, yogurt, desserts, pancakes and more!
This lemon syrup is tangy and refreshing. Ready in just a few minutes with just lemons, water and sugar, it's great to have in the fridge any time of year.
We love using it in cocktails (try it in a gin and tonic), or non-alcoholic sodas. A glug in a glass of sparkling water is super refreshing. It's also incredible in iced tea.
At breakfast, a little drizzle of lemon syrup is incredible in a bowl of yogurt, overnight oats, or on pancakes or French toast. Drizzle it on Lemon Pancakes!
For desserts, you can enjoy it as a tangy element on cakes (try it on Courgette Cake).
I'm sure you'll love this lemon syrup, so be sure to also try Plum Syrup, Kiwi Syrup, Cherry Syrup, Rose Syrup and more! Check out this list of Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: This lemon syrup offers an explosion of tangy and refreshing flavors that will invigorate your taste buds. Its vibrant taste can transform any ordinary dish into a tantalizing treat.
- Versatile uses: Whether you want to make lemonade, add a touch of zesty sweetness to your cocktails, or drizzle it over your favorite desserts, this syrup is your new go-to companion. The possibilities are endless!
- Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you'll have a jar of homemade lemon syrup ready to go. It's a fuss-free recipe that delivers fantastic results.
- Long-lasting freshness: By making your own lemon syrup, you can ensure its quality and freshness. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will last for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors for an extended period.
Ingredients
- Sugar: Sweetens the syrup and balances the acidity of the lemons. If desired, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup though the flavor will be different.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides the vibrant citrus flavor that gives this syrup its signature tanginess. Ensure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
- Lemon peels (unwaxed organic lemons): The lemon peels add an extra depth of flavor and aroma to the syrup. Ensure you use organic lemons to avoid any pesticide residues. If you can't find unwaxed lemons, wash the peels thoroughly before using them.
- Water: Helps to dilute the syrup and achieve the desired consistency.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the sugar, lemon juice and water to a pot, along with 1 of the lemon peels, chopped.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Place a sieve over a bowl and carefully pour in the syrup to strain. Discard the peels.
Allow the mixture to cool and pour it into a sanitized bottle or jar.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
- Mint-infused lemon syrup: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the syrup while it simmers for an added burst of freshness.
- Spiced lemon syrup: Infuse the syrup with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or ginger for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Lavender lemon syrup: Add dried lavender buds or a few drops of lavender essential oil to give the syrup a delicate floral note.
Ways to use Lemon Syrup
- Flavored Beverages: Add a splash of simple syrup to your drinks to sweeten and infuse them with delicious flavors. Some ideas include:
- Cocktails: Use flavored simple syrups to sweeten and enhance the taste of your cocktails. Try your lemon simple syrup in a gin and tonic or in a margarita.
- Tea: Stir in simple syrup to sweeten and flavor your iced tea or hot tea.
- Lemonade and Fruit Punch: Add it to your lemonade or fruit punch for a refreshing twist.
- Desserts and Baked Goods:
- Cake Soaking: Brush simple syrup onto cake layers before frosting to add moisture and flavor. Lemon syrup is great on citrus cakes.
- Fruit Salad: Drizzle it over your fresh fruit salad to enhance the natural sweetness and add a touch of flavor.
- Ice Cream and Sorbet Topping: Spoon a dollop of simple syrup over vanilla or fruit ice cream, or a fruit sorbet.
- Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
- Mocktails: Create refreshing and non-alcoholic drinks by mixing simple syrup with fresh fruit juices, and soda water.
- Flavored Lemonades: Add flavored simple syrups to classic lemonade recipes for a twist.
- Infused Water: Stir a small amount of flavored lemon simple syrup into a glass of water for a hint of sweetness and flavor.
- Breakfast Dishes:
- Drizzle the syrup onto overnight oats or hot oatmeal for a zesty flavor.
- Use the syrup like pancake syrup and drizzle it onto a stack. It's incredible on blueberry pancakes!
- Lemon syrup is tasty on Greek yogurt, with some berries and seeds.
- Add it to fresh French toast, then sprinkle with blueberries or raspberries.
Storage
To ensure the longevity of your lemon syrup, transfer it into a sanitized bottle or jar and refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Top tip
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may contain additives or lack the vibrant taste of fresh lemons.
FAQ
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may lack the vibrancy and freshness of freshly squeezed lemons.
Certainly! You can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust to taste. Different sweeteners will alter the taste of the lemon simple syrup.
While it's best to consume the lemon syrup within two weeks, you can freeze it if you want to extend its shelf life. Pour the syrup into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, and thaw as needed.
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Syrup
Equipment
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar 150g
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice approx 2 lemons (120ml)
- ½ cup water 120ml
- Lemon peels unwaxed organic lemons
Instructions
- Add the sugar, lemon juice and water to a pot, along with 1 of the lemon peels, chopped.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
- Place a sieve over a bowl and carefully pour in the syrup to strain. Discard the peels.
- Allow the mixture to cool and pour into a sanitized bottle or jar.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Wow, this lemon syrup recipe is an absolute delight! The bright and zesty flavor of the lemons shines through beautifully, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The syrup has a smooth consistency that makes it so versatile - it can be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or even used as a refreshing topping for desserts like cheesecakes or ice cream. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, adding a burst of citrusy goodness to so many dishes. Highly recommended for all the lemon lovers out there!
Liz
We made this to have on hand for a mimosa bar and it was perfect! Great way to take a simple drink to the next level
Kathleen
I'm a huge fan of homemade simple syrups. They are easy to make and come in handy. I will be adding this lemon syrup to my repertoire asap.
Cara Campbell
Just tried this in my French 75 and OMG! So good! It just took the lemon flavor to the next level. Like drinking sunshine in a glass 🙂