Homemade lemon cordial is super simple to make and has a true hint of nostalgia. Just combine lemons, sugar and water and watch the magic happen.
Serve it diluted in water for a bright and refreshing summer drink or on the rocks with a splash of vodka.
For an equally refreshing summer drink why not try my Homemade Elderflower Cordial too!
Simple, everyday ingredients
For this recipe, you will need: Lemons, sugar and water
If you're from the UK and took cookery classes at school, chances are, for your very first class you set off one morning with a basket full of fresh lemons and bag of sugar. Making traditional lemonade - or lemon cordial - was somewhat of a rite of passage at secondary school.
Transporting a bottle of sticky lemon cordial home on the bus on a swelteringly hot summer's day, surrounded by a swarm of wasps.
Not so much fun!
This is a recipe that has been around for an eternity.
It belongs to someone's grandmother's great-grandmother perhaps even their grandmother! I can't be sure of the origin but I suppose it might have come about around the 1700s when lime cordial was rationed to Navy soldiers.
There's really nothing better than a cool glass of lemon cordial on a warm day.
You will love this lemon cordial because it's not overly sharp or sweet, it has the perfect amount of lemony tang to be truly refreshing and used in a cocktail it adds something rather special.
How to make lemon cordial without citric acid
A quick scour of the internet tells me that some recipes call for citric acid or tartaric acid which I don't use. Although harmless, the acids are essentially preservatives and since this cordial already has lemon juice and plenty of sugar, I don't feel adding extra preservatives is warranted.
Lemon cordial FAQ
Can I freeze it?
You sure can! Lemon cordial can be frozen on the day it's made and will last for at least a year. Add the concentrate to freezer bags and remove from the freezer as when you want a pitcher of delicious lemon cordial.
Is lemon cordial a solution?
This recipe is for concentrated cordial. Dilute 1 part lemon cordial to 3 parts of tap, mineral or carbonated water.
How long does lemon cordial last?
Stored in a sterilised glass jar or container this lemon cordial will last in the fridge for around four months.
Can I add alcohol?
Yes! Lemon cordial is the perfect mixer for many cocktails and goes especially nicely with vodka. Mix 50 ml of vodka with 20 ml of lemon cordial for a 'lemon drop shot.'
Is lemon cordial good for you?
Lemon cordial has a lot of sugar, if you are looking for the benefits of drinking lemon juice it is better to use a recipe that has lower sugar content. This article explains the health benefits of lemon water as opposed to lemon cordial.
How much juice is in a lemon?
An average lemon contains 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of zest.
Making lemon cordial tips and tricks
- Always zest before juicing
- Rub the grater on the lemon skin as opposed to the lemon on the grater - it makes zesting so much quicker!
- Roll lemons on the kitchen counter with your palm to make them easier to juice. Or...
- Microwave lemons for a few seconds prior to juicing to help release more juice
- Freeze any leftover lemon juice in ice cube trays
- Store the lemon cordial in a sealed glass jar in the cupboard or fridge for 4 months
- Freeze the lemon cordial on the day it's made for up to a year
- When transferring the lemon cordial into a glass bottle or container, add the strained mixture to a jug first to avoid spillage
How to make homemade lemon cordial
Making homemade lemon cordial couldn't be any easier, just follow the simple steps below.
- Time needed: 20 minutes (includes heating time)
- Yields: 1 litre
- Zest 4 lemons
- Juice lemons (you need about 500 ml of lemon juice)
- Add 500 ml water to a saucepan with 650g of granulated sugar
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved
- Bring the pan to the boil for a minute or so, until the sugar water mixture has slightly thickened
- Add 500 ml of lemon juice and the lemon zest to the pan
- As soon as it comes back up to boiling point remove the pan from the heat and stir with a whisk
- Allow to cool slightly then strain the mixture through a sieve into a clean bowl
- Pour the mixture from the bowl into a jug and then into your glass bottle/container
- Dilute 1 part lemon cordial to 3 parts of water
I hope you enjoy making and drinking this lemon cordial as much as I do, and that it brings you some happy nostalgic memories of your childhood!
Other lemon recipes I think you'll enjoy:
- Perfect Every Single Time Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
- Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cake
- Lemon Possets
- Meringue Wreath With Lemon Curd
- Lemon Meringue Blondies
- Lemon Cheesecake
If you loved this recipe please give it a five-star rating below. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter use #TemptingRecipes and tag me @amytreasureblog
Homemade Lemon Cordial
A traditional homemade lemon cordial recipe. A light, bright and refreshing drink perfect for a summer's day.
Ingredients
- 7-10 Lemons
- 650 g granulated sugar
- 500 ml water
Instructions
- Zest 4 lemons
- Juice lemons (you will need about 500 ml of lemon juice)
- Add 500 ml water to a saucepan with 650g of granulated sugar
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved
- Bring the pan to the boil for a minute or so, until the sugar water mixture has slightly thickened
- Add 500 ml of lemon juice and the lemon zest to the pan and stir
- As soon as it comes back up to boiling point remove the pan from the heat and give it a good stir with a whisk
- Allow to cool slightly then strain the mixture through a sieve into a clean bowl
- Pour the mixture from the bowl into a jug and then into your glass bottle/container
- Dilute 1 part lemon cordial to 3 parts of water
Notes
- Always zest before juicing
- Rub the grater on the lemon skin as opposed to the lemon on the grater - it makes zesting so much quicker!
- Roll lemons on the kitchen counter with your palm to make them easier to juice. Or...
- Microwave lemons for a few seconds prior to juicing to help release more juice
- Freeze any leftover lemon juice in ice cube trays
- Store the lemon cordial in a sealed glass jar in the cupboard or fridge for 4 months
- Freeze the lemon cordial on the day it's made for up to a year
- When transferring the lemon cordial into a glass bottle or container, add the strained mixture to a jug first to avoid spillage
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 91Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 1g
Stevie - A Home In Cornwall
Oh my word that glass set is just beautiful! I love lemony drinks, perfect for the summer.
Stevie x
Amy Treasure
I love the glasses so much - even better with lemon cordial in, yum! x
Ric
Awesome way to use my lemons from the tree
Manie Scheepers
Super easy. Super tasty!
Amy Treasure
So glad you liked it!
Kay
This Lemon Cordial is perfect. Only a small amount is needed and teamed with sparkling mineral water and a mint leaf, it’s delicious
Amy Treasure
So pleased you like it, Kay!
Janet Billings
So easy and quick, my husband loves it so much so I made some more
Amy Treasure
That's lovely to hear!
Maria
Just made it for the first time. My husband loved it & started talking about his great grandmother that it tasted just like her lemonade. Will make more very soon!
Amy Treasure
I love this, thank you so much for letting me know!
Kara
This cordial is delicious! We have way too many lemons and this is the perfect way to use them. The whole family loves it
Amy Treasure
I am so pleased to you and your family love this recipe, Kara! Thank you, Amy.
Lou
Fabulous ! Way too many lemons on the tree this year and wonderful to find a use for them. Delicious !
Amy Treasure
So glad you enjoyed the lemon cordial, Lou!
Marissa Knighton
Can I use white sugar instead granulated sugar? Thank you
sue
This was so easy to make loved it. great way to use lemons . can you use limes or oranges to make this recipe
Amy Treasure
So glad you loved it! Yes, you can definitely replace the lemons with oranges or limes or do a combination of any citrus fruits!
Kiki
I halved the amount cos I didn’t have enough lemons but it worked fine!
All my family loved it!
So yummy
Jayne
Hi Amy, great, easy, recipe. Will make other flavours shortly. Our friends live it too!! Thankyou.
Amy Treasure
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Anne-Marie
Great recipe, I've made it several times now, both lemons and limes. I've just changed the amount of sugar to 500gm. Makes it easy to remember (500juice, 500water, 500sugar). It is still fine, just not so sweet and slightly stronger citrus which I like. Very refreshing.