• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Vegan Recipes

Healthy Vegan Recipes

Green Heart Love

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact

Menubar Right Area

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Facebook
Looking for something?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Vegan Condiments

    Lemon Simple Syrup

    Published: Feb 24, 2025 ยท Modified: May 15, 2025 ยท by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This homemade lemon simple syrup is bright, citrusy, and incredibly easy to make! With just 3 simple ingredients, it adds the perfect sweet-tart flavor to drinks, desserts, and more. Itโ€™s the ultimate way to elevate everything from cocktails to iced tea in minutes!

    Lemon simple syrup in a glass bottle with an open lid.

    Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this lemon syrup brings a natural burst of citrus flavor to any recipe. And if you love making homemade syrups, try my lime simple syrup!

    Why I Love This Recipe

    This lemon simple syrup is unbelievably easy to makeโ€”just three ingredients and one pot, and youโ€™re done! In under 20 minutes, youโ€™ll have a bright, citrusy syrup that instantly makes anything taste fresher and fancier (even if itโ€™s just your kidsโ€™ lemonade!).

    Sugar, water, and a couple of lemons are all you need, but the result tastes like sunshine in a jar! The fresh lemon juice brings a bold, tangy kick, while the zest adds an extra layer of citrusy depth.

    The best part? It keeps well in the fridge, so you can always have a jar ready to go. Whether youโ€™re stirring it into drinks, using it to sweeten up breakfast, or adding a citrusy twist to baked goods, youโ€™ll find yourself making it again and again!

    Ingredient Notes

    Lemon simple syrup ingredients placed together on a flat surface.

    Here is a full breakdown of everything youโ€™ll need to make this lemon syrup recipe.

    • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the syrupโ€™s thick, smooth texture. White granulated sugar works best for a clean flavor and clear syrup.
    • Water: Forms the base of the syrup, helping to dissolve the sugar and balance the citrus acidity. Use filtered water for the best results
    • Lemon Zest: Adds concentrated lemon oils, intensifying the citrusy aroma and flavor. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
    • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not lemon juice from concentrate) for the best flavor. It gives the syrup a natural tartness and vibrant lemony taste.

    Substitutions

    • Sugar: If you donโ€™t have regular granulated sugar, feel free to use unrefined cane sugar. You can also try coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and darker color.
    • Lemon Juice: Lime juice will provide a similar tartness with a slightly sharper, more floral note. Orange juice creates a sweeter, milder citrus syrup with a softer acidity.
    • Lemon Zest: Dried lemon peel works in a pinch, but fresh zest provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor. Or, try orange zest for a sweeter, slightly floral citrus note.
    • Water: If you feel like switching things up, swap water with coconut water for a refreshing, subtle tropical flavor.

    How to Make

    Making this lemon simple syrup is a breeze! Just follow my tips and tricks for the best results.

    Preparation

    Grated lemon zest on a wooden board, along with a glass jar of lemon juice and lemon peels.

    Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residue. Using a zester or fine grater, zest the lemons, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer or reamer. Strain out any seeds.

    Cooking

    Lemon zest, sugar and water combined in a saucepan.

    Step 1
    In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon zest over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely, and avoid bringing the syrup to a rapid boil. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the zest to fully infuse into the syrup.

    Lemon simple syrup in a saucepan.

    Step 2
    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the syrup cool at room temperature while the flavors continue to develop.

    Lemon simple syrup in a tall glass bottle with an open lid.

    Step 3
    Strain your lemon syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the zest. Pour the liquid into a clean, airtight glass jar for storage.

    Expert Tip

    The secret to the best lemon simple syrup is all in the technique! Instead of boiling, let the mixture gently simmer to help extract the lemon zestโ€™s essential oils without dulling the fresh, citrusy flavor.

    Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the pot from the heat before adding the lemon juice. This keeps the acidity bright and prevents any bitterness. If you want an even bolder lemon flavor, let the zest steep in the syrup for an extra 10-15 minutes before straining.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can add this lemon simple syrup to a variety of drinks and desserts to give them a bright, sweet flavor. Stir it into iced teas, Brazilian lemonades, or mocktails (like my coconut water mocktail or ginger beer mocktail) for a refreshing citrus boost.

    You can also drizzle it over fruit salads or baked goods like my vegan olive oil cake for an extra layer of sweet, tangy flavor. The options are virtually endless!

    Cooking Tips

    • Roll the Lemons: For maximum juice extraction, roll the lemons on the countertop with firm pressure before zesting and cutting them. This helps break down the membranes inside, making it easier to squeeze out every last drop of juice.
    • Zest First, Juice Later: Always zest your lemons before juicing. Itโ€™s much easier to work with a whole lemon than one thatโ€™s already been squeezed.
    • Strain it Well: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove all the zest bits for a smooth, clear lemon simple syrup.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I avoid making bitter lemon simple syrup?

    Zest only the outer yellow part of the lemon peel and avoid the white pith, which is very bitter. Use a microplane or fine grater and apply light pressure while zesting. Also, simmer the syrup gently rather than boiling it, which can intensify any bitter notes.

    Can I make this syrup less sweet?

    Yes! You can reduce the sugar slightly or increase the lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Keep in mind that sugar helps preserve the syrup, so reducing it too much may shorten the shelf life.

    Does the syrup thicken as it cools?

    Yes, the syrup will slightly thicken once cooled, but it wonโ€™t become overly thick.

    Why is my syrup cloudy?

    Cloudiness can occur if the sugar wasnโ€™t fully dissolved before removing from heat or if the zest was not strained thoroughly. Make sure to stir continuously while heating and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a clear syrup.

    Storing & Reheating

    Let your lemon simple syrup cool completely before transferring it to a container. You can keep it in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

    You can also freeze lemon syrup, but itโ€™s not entirely necessary since it lasts so long in the fridge. If you do freeze it, pour it into an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed container and store for up to 3 months.

    More Simple Syrup Recipes

    • Orange simple syrup in an open lid glass bottle.
      Orange Simple Syrup
    • Mint simple syrup in an open lid glass bottle.
      Mint Simple Syrup
    • Strawberry simple syrup in a glass bottle.
      Strawberry Simple Syrup
    • Blackberry simple syrup in a glass bottle next to fresh berries.
      Blackberry Simple Syrup
    Lemon simple syrup in a tall glass bottle.

    Lemon Simple Syrup

    5 from 2 votes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
    Total Time: 20 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 12 ounces
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    This lemon simple syrup is super easy to make with just 3 basic ingredients in your home kitchen. The deep citrusy flavor in this simple syrup comes from fresh lemon juice and zest. It's bold, tangy, and refreshingly zesty. Use it in your drinks, drizzle it over your pancakes, or add a citrusy twist to baked goods.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 ยฝ cup sugar
    • ยฝ cup water
    • 3 tablespoon lemon zest
    • ยฝ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed

    METHOD
     

    • Grate the zest from the lemons using a zester or a box grater, and squeeze out the fresh juice from lemons using a lemon squeezer.
      Note: Only remove the colored part of the lemons (not the pith). The pith will have a bitter taste.
    • In a small saucepan, combine lemon zest, water, and sugar on medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, then reduce heat to a low simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Continue stirring till the sugar is completely dissolved.
    • Remove from heat and then stir in the lemon juice. Set aside to let it cool down to room temperature.
    • Then pour syrup into a mason jar through a fine mesh strainer to drain the liquid and remove the zest.
    • Store lemon simple syrup in an air-tight glass jar. Refrigerate and use as needed.

    NOTES

    • Roll the Lemons: For maximum juice extraction, roll the lemons on the countertop with firm pressure before zesting and cutting them. This helps break down the membranes inside, making it easier to squeeze out every last drop of juice.
    • Zest First, Juice Later: Always zest your lemons before juicing. Itโ€™s much easier to work with a whole lemon than one thatโ€™s already been squeezed.
    • Strain it Well: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove all the zest bits for a smooth, clear lemon simple syrup.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.03mg
    Course: Condiments
    Cuisine: All, American
    Keyword: lemon simple syrup, lemon syrup
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Lemongrass Simple Syrup
    Air-Fried Cauliflower »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Puja Verma says

      February 24, 2025 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      The zesty and citrusy flavors are so bold and refreshing! Must try!

      Reply
    2. Ctm says

      May 18, 2025 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      I love it. I try myself.

      Reply
      • Puja Verma says

        May 20, 2025 at 2:18 pm

        Thanks CTM! Yes, this on of my favorites to use in my mocktails or teas. Glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Puja from Green Heart Love

    Iโ€™m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

    More about me โ†’

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemongrass Paste in a bowl with fresh ingredients.
      Lemongrass Paste
    • A chilled plum soda served over ice with a side of salty plums.
      Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda
    • Pickled beets in an open mason jar and a small serving bowl, next to a whole beet.
      Quick Pickled Beets without Sugar
    • Sweet onion sauce in a glass bottle with a lid.
      Sweet Onion Sauce
    • Maple Dijon dressing in open lid mason jar with wooden spoon in it.
      Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Chili garlic sauce on a small serving platter with a tiny dipping spoon in it.
      Chili Garlic Sauce
    Puja from Green Heart Love

    Iโ€™m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

    More about me โ†’

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemongrass Paste in a bowl with fresh ingredients.
      Lemongrass Paste
    • A chilled plum soda served over ice with a side of salty plums.
      Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda
    • Pickled beets in an open mason jar and a small serving bowl, next to a whole beet.
      Quick Pickled Beets without Sugar
    • Sweet onion sauce in a glass bottle with a lid.
      Sweet Onion Sauce
    • Maple Dijon dressing in open lid mason jar with wooden spoon in it.
      Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Chili garlic sauce on a small serving platter with a tiny dipping spoon in it.
      Chili Garlic Sauce

    Never Miss a Recipe

    Footer

    • About
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    Vegan Wedge Salad This homemade vegan wedged sala Vegan Wedge Salad

This homemade vegan wedged salad is so quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Its fresh, crispy, and perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy dairy-free blue cheese dressing. The wedge presentation gives this salad a fancy and elegant appeal, making it perfect for entertaining dinner guests.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-wedge-salad/

#veganwedgesalad #vegansalads #veganrecipes #wedgesalad
    Vegan Wedge Salad This homemade vegan wedged sala Vegan Wedge Salad

This homemade vegan wedged salad is so quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Its fresh, crispy, and perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy dairy-free blue cheese dressing. The wedge presentation gives this salad a fancy and elegant appeal, making it perfect for entertaining dinner guests.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-wedge-salad/

#veganwedgesalad #wedgesalad #vegansalad #vegansaladbowl
    Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing This vegan blue cheese Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing

This vegan blue cheese dressing is packed with rich and tangy flavors just like the traditional version. The cashews create a smooth and creamy base while the nutritional yeast and miso paste add the cheesy, umami-rich flavor. Tofu crumble is used to add characteristics of blue cheese crumbles texture. Use it as a dressing on your favorite salads, with veggies, or on sandwiches, and more!

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-blue-cheese-dressing/

#vegandressing #vegansaladdressing #bluecheesedressing #vegansalads
    Vegan Couscous Salad This vegan couscous salad is Vegan Couscous Salad

This vegan couscous salad is perfect for your summer lunch, picnic or side dish. Tender and chewy Israeli couscous tossed with a hearty dairy-free pesto sauce, and tossed with refreshing and colorful vegetables. Serve it with or without vegan feta cheese.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-couscous-salad/
#vegancouscoussalad #couscoussalad #vegansalad #vegansaladbowl
    Vegan Ranch This classic vegan ranch dressing is Vegan Ranch

This classic vegan ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, herbaceous, and super easy to make. Use it as a dip for your favorite snacks or fresh veggies, drizzle it over your salads, or spread it in your sandwiches.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-ranch/

#veganranch #veganranchdressing #vegandressing
    Easy Mushroom Couscous with Herbs Mushroom Cousco Easy Mushroom Couscous with Herbs

Mushroom Couscous is a quick and easy side dish made from Trader Joe's ingredients. Perfect for meal preps and potlucks.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/mushroom-couscous-herbs/

#mushroomcouscous #vegansidedish #traderjoes #veganrecipes
    Follow on Instagram
    Copyright ยฉ 2025 Healthy Vegan Recipes | Back to Top

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.