Lemon Vodka is easy to make yourself! This infused vodka is light, citrusy and less expensive than buying it!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Is Special Equipment Needed for Infused Vodka?
No! Just a one quart jar with a lid.
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.
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.
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:
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Recipe
Homemade Lemon-Infused Vodka & Lemon Vodka Tonic
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
Originally Published: March 11, 2012
Shirley says
After discarding lemons, would you need to strain to remove any particles from vodka? AND does finished product needs to be refrigerated?
Toni Dash says
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 😉
Rrohana Khanna says
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?
Toni Dash says
Sure. I’m not sure how much help I can give you but drop me an email at toni@boulderlocavore.com.
Ashlynn Eckert says
Would you recommend the same storing time if infusing lemons, oranges, and limes?
Toni Dash says
I would!
Barbara Roti says
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
Toni Dash says
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)!
Lori says
I’m so into this. Love to have it on hand, and it’s so easy to do!
Sommer says
I’ll be making this all summer long! Perfect for parties.
Barbara Schieving says
So great to be able to make your own.
Brenda says
So wonderful, especially super chilled!!
Wanda says
Sipping a cocktail with this as I type. So refreshing and easy!
Liz says
I used to make limoncello but this lemon vodka is so much easier!
Toni Dash says
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.