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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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
Jay @ LocalFood.me says
Beautiful and decadent. Beside lemon, goji berry or ginger, any other ideas for vodka infusions?
Boulder Locavore says
I think the possibilities are endless with a neutral vodka (including some who confess things like Bubble Gum and cake!). If you click on the Booze tab under my blog title above there are some other infusions I've done and cocktails using them too.
susan says
this is brilliant! and refreshing!
Lizzy says
Oh, this is SO much easier than limoncello…where you have to peel ALL those lemons! This would make a fabulous gift, too 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
A number of people have said the same thing; I've actually not tried to make it. This certainly is very easy and versatile when done too.
Fergyhun says
This looks great, will definately try it. Believe it or not, I once made Christmas Pudding vodka (being a Brit). Tasted great but the dark brown color was a bit off-putting. Lemon is a much better match than dried fruit and spices!! Your photos are amazing too. Thanks for sharing.
Boulder Locavore says
I love that! You know I think once you are bitten by the infusing bug there is no stopping! I did a post awhile ago about it suggesting people 'hide their children and pets'. I think you can infuse just about anything. Guess that does not equate with it always being good!
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
Oh oh oh 🙂 Yum! Thanks for sharing! It's so easy and I love a refreshing vodka hehe 🙂 Congratulations for being Top 9!
Boulder Locavore says
Then you will love this vodka Daisy! Thanks for the congrats too.
Matthew says
Congrats for the Foodbuzz.com best pic!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Matthew! That is very kind.
Anonymous says
How about using Myer lemons, I bet that would be just over the top, I love those little guys.
Boulder Locavore says
I think they would be fantastic! This is my first citrus infusion. I wondered if the peel would make the vodka 'pithy' tasting and it did not. I can think of several great citrus infusions. It's too easy not to give it a go! Great idea.
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
This looks so fabulously refreshing and light! I like that you didn't use any sugar. I made limoncello last summer but though it was good, a little too sweet even in cocktails for my taste. Congraulations on your spot in the Foodbuzz top 9!
Boulder Locavore says
I'm so glad you like this Georgia. I'm with you on the sugar. I even don't love margaritas unless I make them myself (or have input) for the sugar in the Triple Sec. It ruins the taste for me if overdone (I actually don't use Triple Sec) and I think it makes a difference of how one feels too. This is light and bright. Thank you for the congrats as well!
Andrea the Kitchen Witch says
What a great idea! Lemons were on a good sale at the Sunflower Farmers Market too, might have to go get some & make up a batch. I can't believe we're supposed to hit 72F down in the Springs today. Too hot for me LOL 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
I agree on the temps Andrea! With the long range forecast being in the 70's it makes me dubious. Either we'll have a big soggy snow dump just for Spring Break or the hottest summer on record. In the meantime, make some Lemon Vodka!
Lindsay @ Rosemarried says
I see we made the Top 9 today! Hooray for being in good company. 🙂
This recipe is so simple lovely – and the photos are fantastic (they make me forget that it's positively horrible outside in Portland). Also, Fever Tree tonic water happens to be my favorite as well. I'm sure it'd be even better with homemade lemon vodka.
Boulder Locavore says
Congrats to you too Lindsay! I'm playing at bit of catch up and will pop by to see your undoubtedly fab recipe. Sorry to hear of your weather. We are having temps in the 70's; unheard of ongoing at this time of year here. This vodka is a sunny contribution to the day….especially the aroma!