Have you seen the prices of extracts these days? They are crazy high for just a little bottle. Learn how to make lemon extract at home for just a fraction of the price.
How To Make Lemon Extract
When you know how to make lemon extract it will save you a ton of money. Yes, you do have to buy things like vodka but it goes a really long way.
The only downside to making your own extract is it does take time. You can’t just whip it up and bake with it that day. It needs about four weeks before it is ready.
So with baking season right around the corner, I would get a batch started to it will be ready in time.
If you are looking for other extracts you can make, here are a few to check out.
- Homemade Mint Extract
- How To Make Vanilla Extract – Double Fold – Includes How To Make Vanilla Sugar
How To Make This Extract:
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.
Now simply 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.
NOTE: You can place the zest in small bottles and fill like I have done in the pictures if you want. The only issue with doing this is when it comes time to take the zest back out it is a little tricky, but can be done.
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 small bottles and toss the used zest.
How To Make Lemon Extract
No need to pay high dollar prices for a tiny bottle of lemon extract when you know how to make it. Learn how to make lemon extract at home!
Ingredients
- 4 Lemons
- 1 1/4 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.
-
Now simply 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 small bottles and toss the used zest.
Recipe Notes
NOTE: You can place the zest in small bottles and fill like I have done in the pictures if you want. The only issue with doing this is when it comes time to take the zest back out it is a little tricky, but can be done.
Ellen says
Thanks for the instructions. My lemon tree is so full this year I have frozen some juice and now I can make this to use later also.
Monica says
what happens if you leave the zest longer than 4 weeks?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It is ok if it is left in a little longer, I just would not leave it less than the 4 weeks as the flavor will not be that strong.
Dagmar says
I just made my lemon extract today , thank you for the recipe, very easy and instructions are very easy to understand, can’t wait to make my moms fantastic lemon cake
Sheila says
If you use Everclear, do you use the same amount as the vodka?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, it would be the same amount.
Linda M. says
My everclear is 190 proof. Do I dilute it to the same proof (80) as vodka or just use as is?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It should work just fine as is.
Robin Van court says
Did I miss the part on how many lemons to zest?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, it is in the recipe card.
Kelly says
Do you have to remove the lemon peel?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You just want to take off the zest part. That is the yellow part with as little white as you can do.
Kathleen Bron says
When I’m finished extracting the lemon peel I put it on a cooling rack and dry it out in the oven. Once dry I grind it in the Vitamix and add it to organic sugar.
Anonymous says
Is there any issues with leaving the lemon peel in the bottle? Will it eventually mold?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You can leave it a little longer then 4 weeks but it will start to break down over time and you will have pieces in your extract. It is best to remove it when the extract is ready.
Kay says
Can you add the lemon juice from the nested lemons to this?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You don’t want to add the lemon juice just the zest from the lemons.
Airiel says
How long will the extract last?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It can last up to 2 years if stored correctly.
Debra says
Can you use other types of alcohol, like rum instead of vodka, like you can when making vanilla?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You can!
Nano says
How do you store it correctly to make it last as long as you can? Thank you!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It should be stored in a cool dark place.