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Have you ever wished you could bottle up a ray of sunshine? Ha! Well, I’ve got the next best thing: Lemon Syrup!
This lemon syrup is like capturing pure sunshine in a mason jar. Maybe I’m overstating it here, but this stuff is sweet, tangy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“Thanks for sharing the recipe: this syrup seems perfect to have at hand in hot days, to add a boost to cool drinks or even to water!” – RubyGiop
Plus, it’s so simple to make that even if your cooking skills are limited to boiling water, you can pull this off!
I remember the first time I made this lemon syrup recipe. My kitchen smelled like a lemon grove, and I felt like a professional chef again (minus the fancy hat).
I can’t believe how such a simple lemon syrup could bring my drinks and desserts to the next level.
So often, I find that simple recipes are best. You really don’t need to make some big, complicated thing in order to enjoy yourself.
Whether you’re a fan of iced tea, hot tea, or fancy cocktail recipes like a lemon drop martini or a lemon margarita, this syrup is a great way to add a zesty kick.
So, if you’re ready to add a little zest to your life (pun totally intended), let’s dive into this delicious recipe for Lemon Syrup!
Some of our other favorite LEMON RECIPES we have on our site include: Easy Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade, and Italian Lemon Chicken Foil Packet.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients: With just water, sugar, and fresh lemon juice, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t break the bank.
- Versatile Use: It’s a great recipe for sweetening drinks, drizzling over cake layers, or even adding to your morning pancakes.
- Long Shelf Life: Thanks to its high sugar content, this syrup stays fresh in an airtight container for a long time.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Meyer lemon juice, or regular lemon juice
HOW TO MAKE LEMON SYRUP:
- Place water and sugar into a small sauce pot over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until it comes to a simmer and the sugar dissolves. Take off the heat.
- Add in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Cool completely, use as desired.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF LEMONS SHOULD I USE?
You can use any variety of lemons!
Meyer lemons are fantastic because they’re sweeter and less acidic, but regular fresh lemons work just as well. I
n fact, any squeezed citrus—like oranges or limes—will work.
So go ahead and experiment; who knows, you might invent the next big lemonade syrup trend on TikTok!
WHAT CAN I USE THIS IN?
Oh boy, where do I start? This syrup is a fantastic way to add lemon flavor to so many things:
- Iced tea or hot tea
- Homemade lemon soda
- Drizzling over cake layers or pancakes
- Mixing into cocktails like lemon drop martinis or lemon margaritas
- Adding a splash to sparkling water for a refreshing drink
- Even using it in salad dressings for a sweet-tart twist
The possibilities are as endless as my love for lemons!
ANY ADDITITONS?
You know I love a good add-in. Check out my list and maybe try a thing or two.
It’s just there to get your brain working!
- Add lemon zest for an extra punch of flavor.
- Include a vanilla bean while simmering for a sweet aroma.
- Throw in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a gourmet touch.
- Add a cinnamon stick for a warm spice note.
- Mix in ginger slices for a zesty kick.
- Use lavender flowers for a floral hint.
- Stir in a bit of honey to complement the lemon.
- Add a splash of maple syrup for depth.
- Include a few lemon slices in the syrup for decoration.
- Infuse with berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
This is such a simple recipe that you can really do anything you want with it.
Let me know how it goes!
- Granulated sugar: Substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
- Meyer lemon juice: Use regular fresh lemon juice or even lime juice.
- Water: Replace with coconut water for a tropical vibe.
- Meyer lemons: Any variety of lemons will do; larger lemons yield more juice.
- Sugar syrup: If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try using honey or agave nectar.
- Lemon zest: If you don’t have fresh lemons for zest, use a bit of lemon peel from dried spices.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Pour your cooled syrup into a clean mason jar or any airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The high sugar content acts as a preservative, so you can enjoy your syrup for a long time.
Freezer: For longer storage, pour the syrup into ice cube trays and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes into plastic bags or a sealed jar.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Just pop a cube into your drink whenever you need a burst of lemon flavor!
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Plus, you can use the lemon zest for extra zing.
- Avoid the White Pith: When zesting, be careful not to include the bitter white part of the lemon peel.
- Keep It Cool: Use medium heat to prevent the sugar from caramelizing, which can change the flavor.
- Stir Until Sugar Dissolves: Use a wooden spoon and stir until the sugar fully dissolves to get that perfect sweet syrup.
- Let It Cool: Allow the syrup to reach room temperature before storing to avoid condensation in your glass jars.
- Label Your Jar: Don’t forget to label your sealed jar with the date. Trust me; it’s easy to lose track when you have multiple homemade simple syrups in the fridge!
Making Homemade Lemon Syrup is not just an easy recipe; it’s a great way to add a splash of sunshine to your everyday life.
Whether you’re a lemonade lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys a delicious recipe, this lemon syrup will become one of your favorite things.
So grab some fresh lemons, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen.
Who knows? You might just brighten someone’s day—starting with your own!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Homemade Lemon Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed, about 2 lemons
Instructions
- Place water and sugar into a small sauce pot over medium heat.1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until it comes to a simmer and the sugar dissolves. Take off the heat.
- Add in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Cool completely, use as desired.2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Plus, you can use the lemon zest for extra zing.
- Avoid the White Pith: When zesting, be careful not to include the bitter white part of the lemon peel.
- Keep It Cool: Use medium heat to prevent the sugar from caramelizing, which can change the flavor.
- Stir Until Sugar Dissolves: Use a wooden spoon and stir until the sugar fully dissolves to get that perfect sweet syrup.
- Let It Cool: Allow the syrup to reach room temperature before storing to avoid condensation in your glass jars.
- Label Your Jar: Don’t forget to label your sealed jar with the date. Trust me; it’s easy to lose track when you have multiple homemade simple syrups in the fridge!
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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Do you ever have a problem with the sugar crystallizing in the fridge? My syrup almost always crystallizes if I don’t use it up right away.
Thanks for sharing on Weekend bites!
This sounds awesome! I’m so ready for spring and lemon tends to be what I gravitate towards while I not-so-patiently wait for it to arrive. 😛 Putting this in a strawberry Margarita is a GREAT idea! Definitely need to try it. Pinned for later and sharing on FB tomorrow, as well!
Found you on Snickerdoodle Sunday, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the recipe: this syrup seems perfect to have at hand in hot days, to add a boost to cool drinks or even to water!