What You’ll Need
- 4-6 fresh lemons
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- A small saucepan
- A fine-mesh strainer
- A glass jar with a tight lid
Step 1: Gather the Lemons
Begin by collecting 4-6 fresh lemons. Organic lemons are preferable if you can find them. The vibrant citrus flavors of organic lemons will surely make a difference in the quality of your syrup.
Step 2: Extract the Lemon Juice
Squeeze the lemons to extract their juice. You will need approximately 1 cup of fresh lemon juice for this recipe. A lemon squeezer or juicer can be convenient, but if you don’t have one, simply use your hands to squeeze out the juice.
Step 3: Prepare the Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a simple syrup base for your lemon syrup.
Step 4: Add the Lemon Juice
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the simple syrup to cool for a few minutes, and then slowly pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Step 5: Strain and Store
To ensure a smooth and clear lemon syrup, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar. This will remove any pulp or seeds from the syrup. Once strained, secure the lid tightly on the jar.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Enjoy!
Place the jar of lemon syrup in the refrigerator and let it chill for a couple of hours. This will give the flavors time to meld together. Afterward, your homemade lemon syrup is ready to use!
Add a splash of lemon syrup to your favorite beverages, such as iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails, to give them a zesty twist. You can also drizzle the syrup over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a citrusy breakfast treat. The possibilities are endless!
Once refrigerated, the lemon syrup can last for up to two weeks. Make sure to shake the jar before each use to mix any settled components. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round with this versatile and refreshing lemon syrup!
So there you have it – a simple step-by-step guide to preparing a refreshing lemon syrup. Get creative and experiment with different uses for your homemade syrup. Your taste buds will thank you!