Quick And Easy To Make Homemade Lemon Extract
This is my quick and easy-to-make homemade lemon extract today. I wish you could smell how this homemade lemon extract smells. Oh my gosh, it smells so much better than the store-bought brands! You can use this anytime you want a little lemon flavor in any recipe. One teaspoon of homemade lemon extract equals the zest of two lemons. The extract is much more concentrated and therefore you can get by with half the amount.
Equipment Needed
- Zester or Microplane. I have one like this one: Microplane
- Mason Jars-I prefer the wide-mouth jars
- Ball Lids-these are the white lids I used: Ball White Lids
- Fine mesh strainer: I bought this one, Mesh Strainer
- Extract Bottles
What Is Lemon Extract?
Lemon extract is a flavoring made from the zest of lemons usually distilled in clear alcohol (such as vodka) and commonly used in baking. It can also be made with food-grade glycerin, but it takes much longer to infuse.
Is It Cost-Effective?
Is making lemon extract more cost-effective than buying it? Yes, you will get a much bigger batch for an ultimately cheaper amount than you would in the store. Plus, you have the benefit of knowing exactly what is in the extract (which I prefer), and who doesn’t love the bright sunny smell of lemon zest during the process?
What’s The Difference Between Extract, Oil & Juice?
What is the difference between Lemon Extract, Lemon Oil, and Lemon Juice? Lemon extract is made by infusing the lemon zest in alcohol; it is concentrated, but not to the extent of lemon oil which is literally just the oil from the rind. Lemon juice is squeezed from the fruit of the lemon.
Is Lemon Extract Interchangeable?
Is Lemon Extract interchangeable in recipes calling for lemon juice? Yes, it can be with a few minor adjustments. Lemon extract has a strong citrus flavor without the acidity of lemon juice. One tablespoon of extract plus one tablespoon of water should be about equal to two tablespoons of lemon juice.
The extract is much more concentrated, which is why you’ll dilute it with water. Interchanging extracts and oils can be a bit trickier, particularly in baking, since oil can greatly alter the consistency of the product. You can also use lemon extract in recipes calling for lemon zest. Two teaspoons of zest are equal to approximately one teaspoon of extract.
Does Lemon Extract Need Refrigeration?
Does Lemon Extract need to be refrigerated? No, the homemade lemon extract does not need to be refrigerated. The alcohol in the extract acts as a preservative, so sealed in a proper container it will keep just fine in your pantry, and has a shelf life of about 3-4 years before it starts to lose its flavor.
Can You Drink Homemade Lemon Extract?
Yes, (although a little goes a long way)! Adding a teaspoon of homemade lemon extract is a delicious and easy way to flavor your water, or any other beverage for that matter. Use by itself or mix with other extracts (such as vanilla or raspberry) to create your own unique flavor combination. Don’t have any fresh lemons for your tea? A bit of lemon extract will do the trick. Great for an extra zing to your soda, and perfect for cocktails.
What Are Some Other Ways To Use It?
What are other ways I can use lemon extract besides baking? While we all know and love the classics (lemon bars, lemon poppy seed muffins, lemon meringue), there are plenty of other creative ways to use a homemade lemon extract that can be just as mouthwatering. Try using it in hollandaise or other sauces and marinades.
Add It To Whipping Cream
Step your desserts up a notch by adding a bit to your whipped cream! You could even add some to your plain yogurt or splash it into your fruit smoothie for a zing! Freshen up your kitchen by diluting some extract in water and wiping down your appliances with it. You can also soak a cotton ball in lemon extract and place in your refrigerator for a natural deodorizer.
Homemade Lemon Extract
I bought this bottle of Vodka at a liquor store here in Southern Utah because we have crazy liquor laws. The next day I learned I could have purchased a bottle of Non-GMO Vodka, but to be honest with you, I’m new to buying any liquor. Mark and I do not drink and I didn’t really think about it. But, I did buy organic lemons, that’s for sure. Life is good! This Vodka is 80-proof, just so you know.
If you’re not able to buy organic lemons be sure and wash the lemons with warm soapy water and pat them dry before zesting them.
Lemon Extract Day 1
This is the first day of combining the Vodka and the lemon zest. Isn’t it a beautiful color? My whole kitchen smells like lemons, I love it! I’ve been shaking this jar almost every day for about 4 weeks. In the last month or so the liquid has become slightly thicker. It’s like the lemon zest is absorbing more of the Vodka.
Homemade Lemon Extract
Today’s the day to strain the lemon zest from the bottle, my long-awaited day. I used a fine mesh strainer to fill my smaller bottles.
Strain The Lemon Zest
The Finished Product
I wish you could smell this fabulous homemade lemon extract. Oh my gosh, it’s heavenly.
- 1 cup Vodka
- 4 Organic large lemons
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Wash the lemons and pat them dry. Use a fine grater or zester on the lemon rind, careful not to "zest the white" part, only the rind. Combine the ingredients in a quart mason jar and shake it every day for 30 days. Then strain the lemon zest into a clean jar with an airtight lid. This extract will keep for 3-4 years if kept in a cool dark place. Refrigeration is not needed.
Final Word
I hope you take the time to learn how to make a homemade lemon extract. I really believe we will be able to barter this item sooner than later. It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda
Can this same idea be used for orange extract?
Hi Judith, I would love to try and do oranges, I’ll keep you posted!! Linda
Hi Linda, I wanted to let you know that the link to the fine mesh strainer is the same link as for the white jar lids.
Hi Carol, thank you for letting me know. Changing right now. I really appreciate it! Linda
It seems like this should also work with oranges and limes, have you tried it with them?
Hi Laurie, I bet it would. I have some vanilla soaking right now. I have almond extract soaking right now. This is so awesome! I better try oranges and limes!! Great idea!
Hi Linda- I’ve done lemon, orange, vanilla, almond and chocolate extracts. So much better than what you buy!
Hi Karlawony, what??? Oh, my gosh, I have got to do chocolate!! And orange next!! I love hearing this!!! Linda
I’ve never done this before, so when you strain you are keeping the part with the vodka right? Then disposing of the rest of the lemon, lime or orange that you used to make the extract.
Hi Sherri, yes, I only keep the liquid part which is the Vodka. The lemon chunks I discard. I must say this has been the most fun thing to try and make. I am making vanilla right now as well as Almond. Then I will try chocolate. I have a friend that has been making these extracts for years. I have to laugh and say, where have I been? I LOVE making these!!! Linda
This is awesome!
Hi Jess, oh I hope you trying making some, you will love it! Linda
Love it
Hi Ashley, I hope you try making it!! Linda
One recommendation, when you strain out the zest, place the zest in some cheese cloth and squeeze the liquid out of the zest into the jar with the rest of the extract. Waste not, want not. Also, use the zest in a recipe that calls for it. Should be extra flavorful with the vodka!
Hi Karl, great tip!!! I love love love lemon extract! Linda
I have been wanting to try vanilla extract, but I love this idea! I purchased a Meyer lemon tree this year. No lemons yet but I can’t wait to try this!!! many other great ideas here too, I wonder what else I can try? Maybe cinnamon?
Hi Camille, oh my goodness I would love a Meyer lemon tree!! Linda
Can I use the same technique to make orange extract?
Hi Susan, I haven’t made orange extract yet, but I plan on making it. It’s worth a try. Linda
Definitely! Use the rind of 5-7 oranges (depending on how strong you want it) for every 8 ounces of vodka. The first time I made lemon and orange extracts was with Linda’s zesting method, and it was solid good stuff. I’ve also had success with a potato peeler and a light “skipping” touch, takes a bit of practice to not catch the pith but it’s very soothing on the nerves.
Hi Nick, now I want to make some orange extract!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment! Thank you, Linda
Do you have to zest the lemon? Another recipe said to cut the lemon rind in strips. Cutting rind in strips is much easier than zesting.
Hi Virginia, whatever you want to do with the lemon rinds works. I just happen to have a Microplane so that’s what I used. Have fun, it’s so easy to make, Linda
I made the lemon extract last spring, while visiting in Phoenix. Traveled home in RV and put in my closet and plum forgot about it!!! Didn’t shake it our anything till two weeks ago saw it and drained the contents. Is is safe to use? I was planning to give it in cute little bottles to my friends for Christmas. It’s a darker yellow than when first put up, but looks and smells fine. I tasted the peel as I love tart and I detect the Vodka taste, and put some in my water to drink and enjoyed it. What do you think? Or do you know a source where I can find out if you don’t know if it’s safe after not shaking and forgetting it for 8 months?
Hi Susan, I’m thinking you are not the first one to forget to shake it often. Most people will say, if it tastes good, smells good, it is good. When in doubt call your local state extension service to ask them to be safe. Linda
FYI: ****** THE *WHITE* MASON JAR PLASTIC LIDS ***ARE NOT AIR TIGHT***
STICKING WITH THE METAL ONES THAT HAVE THE RUBBER BAND-
THE CONVENIENCE IS NICE- BUT THEY AWRE NOT AIR TIGHT, EVEN WITH A DESACONANT ADDED
I HOWEVER DO LIKE YOUR WEBSITE AND INFO
Hi John, they are not air tight. The Ball black ones are leak proof but both are not designed to use for long term storage. You need the air removed by a FoodSaver by using the regular metal ring and metal lids. Thank you for commenting, Linda.