Ingredients
750 ml of vodka (for a liqueur) or water (for a syrup)
6 large lemons (preferably organic, to avoid waxed peels)
500 g sugar (for syrup)
500 ml water (for syrup, if making the non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
Prepare the Lemons:
Wash the lemons thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler. Make sure to avoid the white pith, as it can make the infusion bitter.
Set the lemon peels aside, and if you want, juice the lemons for another recipe.
Create the Base:
For a liqueur: Place the lemon peels into a large glass jar. Pour the vodka over the peels, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and let it steep in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Shake the jar every 2-3 days to help infuse the flavors.
For a syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the lemon peels. Let the mixture infuse for 5-7 days in a sealed jar, stirring daily.
Strain the Infusion:
Once the steeping period is over, use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the lemon peels. Discard the peels or use them in other recipes.
Pour the strained liquid into clean, sterilized bottles.
Storage:
Store the bottles in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. The lemon liqueur can last for several months, while the syrup should be used within a few weeks.
Enjoy.