Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade. And there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly squeezed homemade lemonade syrup. And if you want to elevate your lemonade game, try making your own lemonade syrup with lemon zest for a burst of bright citrus flavor in every sip.
Making your own lemonade syrup may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. And the best part? You can tailor it to your taste preferences, whether you like your lemonade tangy or on the sweeter side. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
Equal parts lemon juice, water, and sugar
– Ice and cold water for serving
Instructions:
1. Start by removing the zest from your lemons. Place them in a pot or a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let this sit for at least 20 minutes and up to overnight. The sugar will help pull the lemon oils from the zest, so the longer you can let them sit, the stronger the lemon flavor will be.
2. Once you have squeezed your lemons and determined how much lemon juice you have, you can add your sugar lemons to a pot and add the water. So, if you end up with one cup of lemon juice, add one cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar and bring to a boil.
3. After it boils, turn off the heat and let it sit and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Once the syrup has cooled, strain and add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to combine
5. To make your lemonade, mix the syrup with cold water and ice in a pitcher or single glass according to your taste preferences. Start with equal parts syrup and water, and adjust according to your liking.
And there you have it – homemade lemonade syrup with an extra punch of lemon flavor from the infused lemon zest. You can store the leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
So next time you’re craving a glass of lemonade, skip the store-bought version and try making your own syrup with lemon zest. You won’t be disappointed with the bright and refreshing flavor it adds to your drink. Enjoy sipping on your homemade lemonade while basking in the summer sun – it’s the perfect thirst quencher for any day.