DIY Lemon Extract is easy to make and nce you start making your own extracts you’ll never go back to store-bought. Today I’ll show you how to make your own organic lemon extract at home; you won’t believe how easy it is! Only 2 ingredients and you’re going to save money making it versus buying the store bought stuff.
If you’re lucky enough to have neighbors with lemon trees (lots of them here in Phoenix), they are usually happy to have you come pick some for them. Last week my neighbor put out a big box of lemons with some grocery bags and a sign that said ‘Please Take Some’.
I love lemon extract in baking (lemon poppy seed muffins!!!!). And any time you need a kick of lemon flavor, 1 teaspoon of extract equals about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (peel). But did you know that Organic DIY Lemon Extract has health benefits as well? There are good reasons to use a pure lemon extract that you can easily make at home.
Health Benefits of Pure Lemon
- Fights Cancer Cells
- Slows Microbial Growth
- Prevent Kidney Stone Formation
- Reduce Stress
Get all the details on these lemon extract benefits on Healthfully.com
Recipes That You Can Use Your DIY Lemon Extract In
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream
- Homemade Lemon Bars
- Lemon Chicken
- Lemon Thyme Cocktail
Easy to Make DIY Lemon Extract – All Natural & Organic
Now that you know the health benefits of a pure DIY lemon extract AND you have a few recipes to get you started using it… let’s make some!Be sure to see the bottom of this article for 2 other delicious and easy to make extract recipes!

Easy to Make All Natural Organic DIY Lemon Extract
Ingredients
- 3 - 4 Organic Lemons if they are large you'll only need 3
- 1/2 cup of vodka
- Zester or Grater
- Canning jar with lid
- Clean Sterile Bottles for Storage
Instructions
-
Wash your lemons and pat dry
-
Zest the lemon peels
-
Put your peels in your canning jar; I prefer the wide-mouth jars with the plastic lids.
-
Pour vodka over the peels and secure lid
-
Store in cool place without a lot of light (I use the top of my pantry)
-
Give the jar a shake every 2 - 3 days
-
Allow the mixture to steep for 6 - 8 weeks for full flavor
-
Once completed strain the zest out and put into your sterile storing bottles (like these)
-
Best if kept in fridge but you can keep it in a cool cabinet.
-
USE IT!
Can you believe that’s all it takes for yummy, pure organic lemon extract? You’ll have enough to last a long time too; at a fraction of store prices. This delicious homemade lemon extract also makes a wonderful gift, people ask for my homemade extracts every year!
Want to make other extracts? Check out my Almond Extract and Vanilla Extract Recipes! Remember these make great gifts for just about anyone, but your baking friends will especially love them.
Wait! Do you need more DIY gift ideas? I have that too! See DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Can Make!
Never miss a post ~ Sign up for the Imperfectly Happy Newsletter