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    Home » Recipes » Infusions & Liqueurs » Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka (You’ll Never Buy Lemon Vodka Again!)

    LAST UPDATED: September 30, 2019 • FIRST PUBLISHED: January 17, 2019 By Toni Dash 67 Comments

    Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka (You’ll Never Buy Lemon Vodka Again!)

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Homemade Lemon Vodka title image

    Lemon Vodka is easy to make yourself! This infused vodka is light, citrusy and less expensive than buying it!

    Homemade Lemon Vodka title image

    Infusing spirits yourself is not only easy, it’s affordable and rewarding!

    Having created more liquor infusions than I can count, Lemon Vodka is one that has been remade the most.

    The light citrus flavor is refreshing on its own with mixers, or added to cocktails.

    This early Boulder Locavore recipe has been reprised and updated. It’s a great recipe for home mixologists!

    Lemon Vodka infusing in jar

    Homemade Lemon Vodka

    A number of years ago I realized lemon vodka was the most often replaced liquor in my liquor cabinet.

    Makes sense. The bright, light flavor works in many cocktails no matter what time of the year.

    It boosts more subtle flavors just as adding acid to food recipes does. Lemon Vodka is thirst-quenching just with a mixer too.

    Making it yourself is very easy! Whether for your own use or as a gift, I think you’ll love making your own Lemon Vodka.

    The first time I made it, I was overwhelmed with the most gorgeous aroma of lemon filling the air when I opened the lid!

    The vodka takes on a beautiful shade of light yellow as well!

    Lemon on cutting board

    What is Infused Vodka?

    Infusing any liquor consists of combining a flavored ingredient with a type of liquor, allowing it to soak for a period of time to infuse the flavor of the ingredient into the liquor.

    In this case, fresh lemons are combined with vodka and after soaking a bright, citrus-flavored vodka is created!

    Lemons on tray with vodka 2

    Why Vodka for Infusing?

    Any type of liquor can be used for infusing.

    Vodka is a very neutral, or flavor-less spirit, making it perfect to absorb the flavors of any ingredient soaking in it.

    I’ve made more complex infusions such as Homemade Spiced Pear Vodka or simple one-ingredient infusions, such as this lemon vodka, and the results are fantastic every time.

    Lemon on cutting board

    Ingredients in Lemon Infused Vodka

    This recipe is simple. The ingredients are:

    • Lemons
    • Vodka

    It’s all that is needed to create a citrusy lemon vodka.

    Lemon infused vodka

    What Type of Vodka to Use for Lemon Vodka?

    Whatever grade vodka used will affect the quality of the end result.

    Therefore cheap vodka will make a lower grade lemon vodka, as an expensive vodka will be higher quality.

    I use a mid-range vodka, with a neutral flavor, that’s not ‘cheap’ but is affordable. I do not personally use the highest-grade vodka.

    Lemons on tray with vodka

    Is Special Equipment Needed for Infused Vodka?

    No! Just a one quart jar with a lid.

    Lemon infused vodka in a Mason jar

    How to Make Lemon Infused Vodka

    The process for making infused vodka is very easy. It takes about five minutes to create and patience to wait until it’s done!

    • Quarter three lemons and add them to a quart volume jar (I use Mason jars).
    • Pour in two cups of neutral (unflavored) vodka.
    • Seal the jar and place in a cool, dark location for one week.
    • After one week, taste the vodka for flavor:
      • If the lemon flavor is to your preference, discard the lemons, and keep the lemon vodka sealed in a cool, dark location indefinitely.
      • If the flavor is not strong enough, allow the mixture to infuse longer; tasting every few days until it has the preferred lemon flavor. Follow the instructions in the bullet point above for storing.

    Lemons in jar with vodka infusing

    How Long Does Lemon Vodka Take?

    The lemon flavor is present after one week however I chose to leave it for 3 weeks before using.

    Taste it and continue infusing until the flavor is to your liking.

    Lemon Vodka Tonic

    Cocktail Recipes using Lemon Vodka

    The most simple and fresh cocktail is a Lemon Vodka Tonic (recipe in below). However this infused vodka works great in many cocktails:

    • Pomegranate Ginger Sparkler
    • Goji Berry Infused Vodka Martini
    • Pomegranate Martini
    • Bug Juice

    Lemon Vodka infusing

    More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

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    If you’ve tried this Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka recipe on BoulderLocavore.com please RATE THE RECIPE below! 

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    Homemade Lemon Vodka title image

    Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka & Lemon Vodka Tonic

    This light citrusy vodka is something you'll use for many cocktails!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 7 days
    Servings: 2 cups infused vodka
    Calories: 554kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka:

    • 2 cups vodka (neutral flavor)
    • 3 medium lemons , rinsed well and quartered
    • Quart size Mason jar with lid (or any jar with a sealing lid)

    Lemon Vodka Tonic cocktail

    • 1 1/2 ounces Lemon Vodka
    • Tonic Water (I love Fever Tree tonic)

    Instructions

    Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka

    • Place lemons and vodka in the jar; seal. Place in a dark, cool place. 
    • Test for flavor after one week. Continue to taste until vodka has taken on the depth of flavor you prefer; remove and discard lemons, seal jar and enjoy!

    Lemon Vodka Tonic

    • Fill a tall glass with desired amount of crushed ice. Add lemon-infused vodka and fill with tonic water.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 554kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 0g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally Published: March 11, 2012

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shirley says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:35 am

      After discarding lemons, would you need to strain to remove any particles from vodka? AND does finished product needs to be refrigerated?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 22, 2020 at 7:26 am

        Straining would be a matter of personal choice (I don’t strain it). And no the vodka does not need to be refrigerated. But if you’ll use it for cold cocktails your ice will stay solid longer if you use cold vodka 😉

        Reply
    2. Rrohana Khanna says

      June 23, 2020 at 5:24 am

      Hi, i loved this recipe. Would you be willing to connect over email to help me with some infusions i’m attempting with food-grade ethanol (192 proof), to be later mixed in with cocktails/lighter hard seltzers?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 23, 2020 at 5:42 am

        Sure. I’m not sure how much help I can give you but drop me an email at toni@boulderlocavore.com.

        Reply
    3. Ashlynn Eckert says

      October 01, 2019 at 4:40 pm

      Would you recommend the same storing time if infusing lemons, oranges, and limes?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 09, 2019 at 9:29 am

        I would!

        Reply
    4. Barbara Roti says

      June 14, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      I am not a big drinker (headaches ?) but this sounds good. You said cool dark place to store for 1-3 weeks – can you refrigerate during this process?

      Thank you. B

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 14, 2019 at 3:58 pm

        I think the flavors transfer better at room temperature and I’ve only infused liquor that way. You certainly can try it and see how the flavor is (do let me know if you do)!

        Reply
    5. Lori says

      January 18, 2019 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      I’m so into this. Love to have it on hand, and it’s so easy to do!

      Reply
    6. Sommer says

      January 17, 2019 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      I’ll be making this all summer long! Perfect for parties.

      Reply
    7. Barbara Schieving says

      January 17, 2019 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      So great to be able to make your own.

      Reply
    8. Brenda says

      January 17, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      So wonderful, especially super chilled!!

      Reply
    9. Wanda says

      January 17, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      Sipping a cocktail with this as I type. So refreshing and easy!

      Reply
    10. Liz says

      January 17, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      I used to make limoncello but this lemon vodka is so much easier!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        January 17, 2019 at 4:04 pm

        I’ve never made Limoncello but have heard it’s more challenging. This couldn’t be easier! Well, if someone else cut the lemons for you it would be easier lol.

        Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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