Yield: About 4 cups (1 liter)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Resting Time: 24–48 hours

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: About 1–2 days

Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients

• 6 large lemons, washed well
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional, for stronger flavor)
• 1 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for extra tang and longer shelf life)

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Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large glass jar with a lid
• Medium saucepan
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel
• Sterilized glass bottles

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

• Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly.
• Slice them into thin rounds, removing any seeds.
• If using zest, grate only the yellow outer peel before slicing.

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Step 2: Layer with Sugar

• Place a layer of lemon slices in a clean glass jar.
• Cover with a layer of sugar.
• Repeat until all the lemons and sugar are used.
• Seal the jar tightly.

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Step 3: Rest

• Leave the jar at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
• Shake gently every few hours when convenient.
• The sugar will dissolve and draw juice from the lemons, forming a thick syrup.

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Step 4: Heat

• Pour the lemon mixture into a saucepan.
• Add the water.
• Heat over medium-low until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Do not boil vigorously, as that can dull the fresh lemon flavor.

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Step 5: Strain

• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
• Press gently on the lemon slices to extract more liquid, but avoid squeezing too hard, which can make the cordial bitter.

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Step 6: Bottle

• Pour into sterilized bottles while still warm.
• Seal tightly.
• Cool completely before refrigerating.

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How to Serve

Mix with cold water, sparkling water, or club soda.

Suggested ratios:

• 1 part cordial : 3 parts water for a classic lemonade
• Add sparkling water for a fizzy drink
• Stir into iced tea
• Mix into cocktails or mocktails
• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or fruit salad

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Nutrition Information

Approximate per 2 tablespoons (30 ml):

Nutrition is approximate and depends on the size of the lemons and the amount of sugar used.

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 1 month in sterilized bottles.
• Freezer: Up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.

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Tips for Success

• Choose ripe, fragrant lemons with smooth skins.
• Remove all seeds to reduce bitterness.
• Sterilize bottles by boiling them for 10 minutes and allowing them to air-dry.
• If you prefer a less sweet cordial, reduce the sugar slightly, but note that it will not keep as long.

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Flavor Variations

• Ginger Lemon: Add a 2-inch (5 cm) piece of sliced fresh ginger while heating.
• Mint Lemon: Steep a handful of fresh mint leaves for 10 minutes before straining.
• Honey Lemon: Replace up to half of the sugar with honey after the mixture has cooled slightly.
• Lime Cordial: Substitute half or all of the lemons with limes.
• Orange Lemon: Add the zest and juice of one orange for a citrus blend.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemons are strongly recommended. Bottled juice won’t provide the same fresh flavor or aroma.

Why did my cordial turn bitter?

The white pith, seeds, or prolonged boiling can contribute bitterness. Remove seeds and avoid boiling hard.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but sugar acts as a preservative. A lower-sugar cordial should be refrigerated and consumed within 1–2 weeks.

Do I need to refrigerate it?

Yes. Refrigeration helps maintain quality and slows spoilage after bottling.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely. Limes, oranges, grapefruit, or a combination all work well.

Can I make it sparkling?

The cordial itself isn’t carbonated. Mix it with chilled sparkling water just before serving.

Can I use the leftover lemon slices?

Yes. Chop and add them to baked goods, blend into marmalade, or compost them once they’ve released most of their flavor.

Why is my cordial cloudy?

Cloudiness is normal and comes from natural citrus pulp and essential oils. Shake the bottle gently before serving if it separates.