Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 20 minutes
– Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
– Cooling time: 30–45 minutes
– Total time: Approximately 1 hour
– Yield: Approximately 1.5–2 liters of concentrate
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 12–15 fresh medium-sized lemons
– 4 cups granulated sugar
– 3 cups water
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– ½ teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (extra, if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lemons
Wash the lemons thoroughly under running water.
Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Roll each lemon gently on the countertop using your palm. This helps release more juice.
Step 2: Extract the lemon juice
Cut the lemons in half.
Use a manual or electric juicer to extract the juice.
Remove seeds using a fine-mesh strainer.
Strain the juice again if you prefer a smoother concentrate.
Step 3: Prepare the lemon zest
Take a few clean lemons and finely grate their yellow outer skin.
Avoid grating the white inner layer because it can make the drink bitter.
Add approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
Step 4: Prepare the sugar syrup
Place a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add 3 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar.
Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes.
Do not caramelize the sugar.
Step 5: Add lemon flavor
Turn off the heat.
Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest.
Add citric acid if desired.
Stir thoroughly until everything is combined.
Step 6: Strain the concentrate
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or clean muslin cloth.
This removes lemon pulp, zest particles, and any remaining seeds.
The finished concentrate should have a smooth, beautiful yellow appearance.
Step 7: Cool completely
Allow the lemon concentrate to cool completely at room temperature.
Do not pour hot liquid into ordinary glass bottles because sudden temperature changes can break the glass.
Step 8: Bottle the lemon concentrate
Wash bottles thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse well.
For longer refrigerated storage, use properly sanitized, food-safe bottles.
Pour the cooled lemon concentrate into the bottles.
Close the lids tightly.
Step 9: Refrigerate
Place the bottles in the refrigerator.
Chill for several hours before serving for the best flavor.
Step 10: Prepare a refreshing lemon drink
To make one glass:
– ¼ cup lemon concentrate
– ¾ cup cold water
– Ice cubes as desired
– Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Stir well and taste.
Adjust the concentrate or water according to your preferred sweetness.
Enjoy your refreshing homemade lemon drink!
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per 250 ml prepared drink, using the suggested dilution.
Nutrient Approximate amount
Calories 95 kcal
Carbohydrates 25 g
Protein 0.2 g
Fat 0 g
Sugar 23 g
Fiber 0.1 g
Vitamin C 15–25 mg
Sodium 15 mg
Potassium 35 mg
Values vary depending on lemon size, sugar quantity, and dilution.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Vitamin C: Lemons provide vitamin C, which supports immune function.
– Antioxidants: Lemons contain plant compounds that help protect cells.
– Potassium: Lemons provide small amounts of potassium.
– Citric acid: Naturally present in lemons and responsible for their tangy flavor.
– Hydration: When diluted with water, this drink contributes to daily fluid intake.
– Energy: Added sugar provides carbohydrates and quick energy.
Helpful Tips
1. Choose fresh, juicy lemons for the best flavor.
2. Avoid using the white lemon peel because it can taste bitter.
3. Adjust sugar according to your taste.
4. Strain thoroughly for a smooth concentrate.
5. Use glass bottles suitable for food storage.
6. Always refrigerate after preparation.
7. Shake gently before serving if natural settling occurs.
8. Add mint or ginger for a refreshing variation.
Delicious Variations
– Mint Lemon Squash: Add fresh mint leaves.
– Ginger Lemon Drink: Add freshly grated ginger.
– Honey Lemon Concentrate: Replace some sugar with honey after cooling.
– Sparkling Lemonade: Mix the concentrate with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
– Lemon Orange Squash: Add fresh orange juice for a citrus blend.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Keep in clean, airtight bottles and use within 1–2 weeks as a homemade, unpreserved concentrate.
– Freezer: Freeze in small freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
– Once diluted: Refrigerate and consume within 24 hours for best quality.
Do not store homemade lemon concentrate at room temperature unless it has been processed using a tested, safe preservation method.
Allergen Information
– Naturally free from dairy.
– Naturally free from eggs.
– Naturally free from gluten.
– No artificial colors required.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe contains no added nuts. Check packaged citric acid and other ingredients for cross-contact warnings if you have a severe allergy.
Homemade refreshing drink
Enjoy your fresh, sweet and tangy homemade lemon squash!