Discover how to make lemon simple syrup at home with this easy recipe. If you've been wandering the aisles of the grocery store, debating whether to pick up a bottle of store-bought syrup—hold that thought! We're diving into why making your own simple syrup is not only a cost-effective choice but also a flavorful one, perfect for elevating everything from your morning iced tea, cake layers and your favorite cocktails. 🍋

Elevate your favorite cocktails, delicious tea, and desserts with this delightful lemon syrup! If you've been browsing experience for something that's a great way to add a burst of flavor to your kitchen creations, then look no further. Today, we’re going to explore the wonderful recipes world of homemade simple syrup, specifically a zesty lemon simple syrup recipe that's a delight to make and even better to taste.
Why make simple syrup, you ask? First off, making your syrup at home significantly cuts down on food costs compared to what you would spend at the grocery store. Plus, when you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in—no high sugar content additives or preservatives. This is also a great recipe for controlling the level of sweetness in your drinks and desserts.
What can this lemon syrup recipe do for you? Think beyond lemon drop shots or martinis and iced tea. This lemon syrup is incredibly versatile, and it’s my favorite way to add some zing to everything from cold beverages to cake layers. You can even drizzle it over a fruit salad for that extra wow factor!
So, what's the best part? Well, this simple syrup recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re a fan of Italian recipes, Thai recipes, or any other global cuisine, this lemon simple syrup can find its way into your culinary repertoire. Cheers to your next delicious adventure! 🍋
⭐ Why You'll Love This Recipe
Here are some irresistible reasons why this lemon simple syrup will become your new go-to ingredient.
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal prep time.
- Flavorful: The fresh lemon juice and lemon zest make this a vibrant addition to your favorite cocktails and desserts.
- Cost-Effective: Making this at home reduces food costs versus store-bought versions.
- Customizable: Adjust the lemon flavor and sweetness to your personal information taste preference.
🍴Ingredients

Let’s gather the two simple stars of our show: lemons, and sugar.
- Lemons: Large lemons are best for the most lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Sugar: A cup of sugar sweetens the mix and helps the sugar dissolves into a smooth syrup.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
- Meyer Lemons: Swap out regular lemons for Meyer lemons for a sweeter, more floral flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Lime Juice: Try lime juice for a tropical twist on this classic simple syrup recipe.
- Basil Leaves: Add some basil leaves for a lemon basil syrup variation that’s great in both desserts and cocktails.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
📖 Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Lemons: Zest the lemon peel and juice the lemon halves.

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the cup water and cup of sugar.

Warm-Up: Put the saucepan on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Add Lemon Goodness: Add your fresh lemon zest to the saucepan. Keep the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes.

Strain: Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lemon zest. Allow the syrup to cool.

Storage: Pour into glass bottles or a mason jar and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Use a fine mesh sieve for a crystal-clear syrup.
- Cool Completely: Make sure your syrup reaches room temperature before storing to preserve the lemon flavor.
- Freshness Counts: Use large lemons for maximum lemon juice and zest.
- Longevity: Stored in an airtight container, this lemon syrup can last up to a month.

💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, it’s a versatile addition to both hot tea and cold beverages.
Eventually, this lemon simple syrup will grow mold and go bad. However, because of their high level of sugar, most simple syrups will last in the fridge for at least a month as sugar is a natural preservative!
Please note that a rich syrup (that is, made with double the sugar) will last for even longer. You’re also welcome to add about an ounce of vodka to the syrup to inhibit bacterial growth.
Absolutely, it’s a great way to add flavor without artificial additives!
Feel free to add it to fruit salads, as a cake layer, or even as a marinade for some recipes.

More Lemon Recipes You'll Love
If you try the recipe for this Lemon Simple Syrup, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧

Lemon Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Y-Peeler
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) Granulated Sugar
- 8 Lemons, peeled/zested and juiced
Instructions
- Zest/peel the lemons and set the peel aside. Then, slice the lemons in half and juice the lemons.8 Lemons
- Pour your lemon juice and sugar into a saucepan and heat on medium1 cup Granulated Sugar
- Cook, stirring the mixture until your sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add lemon zest into the saucepan and continue heating for 30 seconds before removing from heat.
- Allow syrup to infuse for half an hour as the simple syrup cools completely
- Strain syrup and pour into an airtight container and store in the fridge
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