How to Make Lemon Juice
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How to Make Lemon Juice
This How to Make Lemon Juice recipe is a breeze and adds a zesty, refreshing twist to any recipe! You can easily customize it with or without sugar, making it ideal for mocktails, fresh juices, or even baking. This simple, homemade lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor to all your favorite dishes + drinks. Completely Vegan + Option For Lemon Simple Syrup.
If you've ever grabbed one of those store-bought lemon juice bottles only to be disappointed by the bland flavor, you're definitely not alone! Learning How to Make Lemon Juice is not only super easy, but it also lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking (You can enjoy with or without sugar). Fresh lemon juice is a game-changer, adding a zesty punch to mocktails, juices, homemade lemonade, cakes, and even savory dishes like lemon butter pasta. It’s a little effort that makes a big difference in flavor!
This recipe is as simple as it gets—just three ingredients, including water (so it barely counts)! All you need is fresh lemon and, if you like, a bit of optional sugar. It takes just 10 minutes to whip up and is perfect for making ahead. Store it in the fridge or freezer, and you'll always have that fresh, tangy goodness ready to go. Trust me, it tastes 10,000% better than the store-bought stuff!
If you're a lemon lover, I've got even more lemony goodness to share – Give this Lemon Blueberry Olive Oil Cake, Cranberry Lemon Spritzer with Lemonade, Perfect One-Bowl Lemon Birthday Sheet Cake, and Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake a whirl!
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Lemon Juice Ingredients
You’ll only need a few ingredients, with sugar being optional. If you prefer your juice sweeter for drinks or desserts, you can add it. However, if you like a tangy, tart flavor—perfect for savory dishes like pasta—feel free to skip the sugar.
JUICE:
- Lemons. I used the Eureka variety, but Meyer or Lisbon lemons work fine!
- Filtered water.
- Organic cane sugar. Optional.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR DRINKS, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS LEMONADE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Lemon Juice. Everything from my fave glassware, blenders, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Make Lemon Juice
PREP THE LEMONS:
- Start by slicing the lemons in halves and squeezing them using a citrus presser or manual citrus squeezer into a bowl. You can also use a strainer and squeeze the lemons over it to prevent the seeds and pulp from going into bowl.
TO MAKE THE LEMON JUICE:
- Add the water and sugar (if using), whisking everything together until combined.
- Store in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to 3 days. NOTE: This can be used as a substitute for store-bought lemon juice (just omit the sugar) or as an addition to juices or mocktails/cocktails.
How To Make A Lemon Simple Syrup
You can easily turn this into a lemon simple syrup, by heating everything over the stovetop until sugar dissolves, for about 3-4 minutes. Just add ½ cup of sugar instead.
Ways To Use Lemon Juice
There are countless ways to use lemon juice, so get creative! Here are my fave ways to make the most of it:
- In drinks --- Add a splash to water or sparkling water, mocktails, lemonade, juices or smoothies, for a zesty kick.
- In cooking --- Use it in marinades, dressings, or to brighten up savory dishes like pasta, salads or crispy lemon quinoa!
- In baking + desserts--- It’s great in cakes, donuts, breads, cookies, and lemon cheesecake for a tangy sweetness.
How Much Juice Is In One Lemon?
A medium lemon usually gives you about 2-3 tablespoons of juice. To squeeze out every last drop, roll the lemon on the counter before cutting it, and then use a good-quality juicer or even your hands to press and twist. You’ll get more juice and waste less!
Lemon Juice Benefits
Lemon juice is packed with benefits! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Rich in vitamin C. Boosts your immune system + helps fight off colds.
- Aids digestion. Can help with digestion and prevent bloating.
- Hydrating. Keeps you hydrated and supports overall wellness.
- Supports skin health: Antioxidants help maintain healthy skin!
- Detoxifying. Acts as a natural detoxifier and supports liver function!
Lemon Juice Q + A's
Store in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to 3 days.
No, you don’t need a fancy juicer to make fresh lemon juice. You can use a manual citrus juicer or a manual citrus press to get the job done.
Yes, you can definitely freeze lemon juice! Just pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, and you'll have handy lemon juice ready whenever you need it.
More Lemon Recipes You'll Love!
If you are a fan of this Lemon Juice recipe, then you will also love these zesty recipes:
- Lemon Coconut Cake
- Lemon Ginger Bundt Cake
- Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade
- Fancy Hot Honey Lemon Mocktail
- Cranberry Lemon Spritzer
- Easy Homemade Lemon Ginger Ale
- Lemon Brown Butter Pasta
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this How to Make Lemon Juice recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
How to Make Lemon Juice
Ingredients
JUICE:
- 3 lemons
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1-2 tsps organic cane sugar, optional
Instructions
PREP THE LEMONS:
- Start by slicing the lemons in halves and squeezing them using a citrus presser or manual citrus squeezer into a bowl. You can also use a strainer and squeeze the lemons over it to prevent the seeds and pulp from going into bowl.
TO MAKE THE LEMON JUICE:
- Add the water and sugar (if using), whisking everything together until combined.
- Store in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to 3 days. NOTE: This can be used as a substitute for store-bought lemon juice (just omit the sugar) or as an addition to juices or mocktails/cocktails.
TO MAKE A LEMON SIMPLE SYRUP:
- NOTE: You can easily turn this into a lemon simple syrup, by heating everything over the stovetop until sugar dissolves, for about 3-4 minutes. Just add ½ cup of sugar instead.
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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is this not just lemonade?
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for your feedback! The sugar is actually optional in case someone doesn't want it to be too sour, however, even with the sugar it's only a teaspoon, therefore, it wouldn't actually taste like lemonade because it's not sweet. 🙂