How to Make Lemon Extract

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Yesterday, I made a batch of lemon extract in my attempt to use as much of the lemons as I can. This was super easy, the hardest part was getting up the courage to go into the local liquor store. I did take the “clergy” hanging sign off my rear view mirror, you know, just in case. 🙂

Extracts are so super easy to make. You just need vodka, a jar and the thing you want to “extract”.

Yield: varies

Lemon Extract

lemons and lemon zest on table with a bottle of vodka and a mason jar

Extracts are so super easy to make. You just need vodka, a jar and the thing you want to “extract”.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 1 month
Total Time 1 month 25 minutes

Materials

  • Lemon zest from 3-5 lemons
  • Vodka

Tools

  • Mason jar with lid
  • Brown paper bag
  • Strainer
  • Funnel

Instructions

  1. Zest the rind of 3-5 lemons making sure not to get the pith – which is the white bitter part.
  2. Put in a a mason jar and add a cup and a half of vodka.
  3. Put it in a brown paper bag and put it in the pantry.
  4. Try to shake it each day for a month. It should be ready after a month but the longer it sits, the stronger it gets.
  5. When it’s as strong as you want, strain out the zest and store the extract in a bottle…preferably a dark bottle.

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17 thoughts on “How to Make Lemon Extract”

  1. Vodka? in a jar in a brown paper bag? I don’t know if the clergy tag was the biggest thing to worry about. 🙂 I probably would have asked a neighbor to buy it for me, a really non-judgmental neighbor with a good sense of humor to be able to laugh at me about it.

    Reply
    • lol….I know…my dad used to buy my vodka for me, but he passed away 4 years ago. I drive big 12 passenger van and there’s not another that color in our town. So, I waited until I could go to town in the little generic car so it wouldn’t be so obvious. It’s funny.

      Reply
  2. I have been wanting to do this for a while. Cool! Problem is, I need to find out if lemons have a lot of pesticide on them. I don’t want to kill the kids with pesticide. 🙂

    I recently went into the liquor store for vodka. I need to make more vanilla extract.

    Reply
  3. I bought 2 bottles of vodka at Costco for my vanilla extract and they are HUGE bottles. I remember furtively looking around, praying no one I knew saw me with them. I bought extra stuff go try to cover them up and I’m a truck driver! Lol I can imagine how you felt! Had my hubby crackin’ up when I told him. Now, thanks to you, Imma have to go back and score some more and pray I don’t get seen, or heaven forbid, get the same clerk!

    Reply
  4. I have a potted Meyer Lemon tree (first year) – its under a light by the window for the winter (too cold for outside here in Western NY) but I put it out on the deck for the summer months. I had 19 lemons for my first crop this fall. Cannot wait to try the lemon extract. Nice thing is you can zest off the rind and then use the juice of the lemon for something else! Have just discovered homemade vanilla extract and I’m already on my 3rd batch!

    Reply
  5. It’s okay, as long as your breath doesn’t smell like lemons………….;)
    I have had my lemon extract “brewing” in my cupboard for a couple of months now. It smells so good! I am also extracting vanilla, orange, almond and mint!

    Reply
  6. Wow, I’m embarrassed to admit I had no idea making extract was that easy! Pinning this for later and adding bottles of Vodka to the Costco list. Thanks for sharing!!

    Visiting from the Homestead Barn Hop!

    Danielle
    TheHandcraftedHomestead.com

    Reply
    • I know! I was amazed when I found out. We don’t have a Costco here but I wonder if Sam’s sells vodka….then I could hid it under all my other stuff and not have to into a real liquor store…;-)

      Reply
  7. I live in a very small town with very big mouths. But I only go into the liquor store twice a year — once in July when I’m making herbal tinctures and once in November or so for vodka for extracts. After 10 years they know me and always ask what’s in season and what I’m going to use the medicine for. When you don’t show up weekly, they understand and are quite supportive.

    The clergy sign is a different story! You have to deal with the people who sign your pay cheque. Glad I don’t have that issue. 😀

    Reply

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