Lemon syrup is a great way to bring the bright flavor of citrus into any drink, even in seasons where good citrus is scarce.
You can find pre-made lemon syrup at grocery stores or online, but every brand we’ve tasted pales in comparison to the simple recipe we found on Martha Stewart’s website.
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan – we usually start with two cups (or roughly 500mL) of each. Add the zest from one lemon, and bring to a low boil. Stir it and keep it going until you can no longer see any granules of sugar.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve. Let it cool completely, and stir in 6oz (or about 180mL) of lemon juice. Store in the refrigerator for at least a few weeks, possibly more.
