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:
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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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
Brook - Learn to Preserve says
Wow, such gorgeous photos.
And thanks for using two of my favorite things in this recipe. Well, make that THREE of my favorite things. I've kind of got a thing for jars 🙂
Now that I've discovered your blog on Foodbuzz, I'm going to go back to it and see what other amazing photos and ideas you have. I'm sure there are plenty to inspire.
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you and I too have a thing for jars. I'm happy you popped by and hope you'll find more that strikes your fancy.
Jaime says
Ooo…I love the sound of the scent of lemons filling the air. I have lemons and vodka, now I just need a jar…
Boulder Locavore says
You have the important stuff already! I'm sure a jar will find you….
Chef Dennis says
now you made something I can really enjoy! Vodka was always my drink of choice in the old days. Your vodka sounds perfectly refreshing!
If you've ever seen Rustler's Rhapsody you know how I take my liquor!
cheers
Dennis
Boulder Locavore says
This is really fresh, light and abounding with the essence of lemon. Really beautiful.
Halfhorse says
Needless to say I am quite a fan of apples and have tried apple vodka/the appletini. Any advise on making apple infused vodka?
Boulder Locavore says
Yes! Apple Infused Vodka was one of the first, and remains one of the favorite, vodka's I've infused. It developes such a full flavor depending on the variety of apples you use. If the link is not active you can go to the 'Booze' tab on the top middle of the blog (below the title) and select. There is a collection of infusions I've made and links to the posts there.
Bloggy Writer says
extremely refreshing for the summers here at my place.
Boulder Locavore says
Hope you'll make some!
Kiri W. says
Oooh nicely done! I've never done any infused spirits, but it looks so simple and delicious 🙂
And I have he same ceramic knife in bright lemon yellow!
Boulder Locavore says
It is so easy Kiri. If you check my 'Booze' tab above you'll see a number I've done. Love these knives. I don't think mine is ceramic but it cuts like a dream.
ping says
This sounds less messy than the limoncello I'd made earlier, with all the grating of the zest, etc. And there's no need to strain the zest either when using it for mixing. Thanks, Toni.
Boulder Locavore says
I have not made limoncello before but this certainly is easy and delicious. I'd make it for the aroma frankly; it's heavenly. This would be very refreshing in your area; cut a bit of the heat and humidity!
Jane says
This is gorgeous! I also love lemon anything! I have only attempted cranberry infused vodka .. I should try a couple more flavors!
Boulder Locavore says
You should Jane! Someone left a comment on another infusion I made sharing they had a batch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and Bubble Gum vodka infusing as she wrote (separate batches). That is out of my realm of creativity certainly but there are plenty of other things to infuse.
The Mom Chef says
Oooh, that looks amazing. I love lemon….anything. I will definitely give this a go. I'll bet lime infused would be outstanding as well.
We're hit and miss on the summer clothing on Easter thing even though we're in the south. Since it's so early this year, we may have a light sweater on, but definitely no snow!
Boulder Locavore says
I think you are right and that is one reason I love infusing; the endless possibilities! Our weather is warm but overcast today which I found a relief frankly! When the sun is out is really does rev people up in a different way. Impossible for me to stay indoors at all. Not holding my breath for Easter clothes; I'm sure this warm weather is merely a tease.
Anonymous says
How about using Myer lemons, I bet that would be just over the top, I love those little guys.
Kirsten@My Kitchen in the Rockies says
Lemon Vodka Tonic, that would be a drink for me, since my usual standard drink is a Gin Tonic.
Great pictures, Toni. I love the serving tray!
I don't know if I like the warm weather right now. I still had plans to go skiing a few more times before the lifts will be closing.
Boulder Locavore says
Thank Kirsten. It is a very light, fresh drink. It is overcast up here today for which I'm thankful. Not ready for full bore spring/summer quite yet! We too have had a minimal ski season. Were going to go to Eldora today and noted they lost 6 inches of base overnight!