Easy Lemon Orange Syrup: A Refreshing, Citrus-Infused Delight
Lemon Orange Syrup is a wonderfully refreshing and versatile sweetener that captures the bright, tangy essence of two beloved citrus fruits. This homemade syrup is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite beverages, desserts, and dishes. Whether you’re making cocktails, mocktails, or simply drizzling it over your pancakes or waffles, this syrup brings a delightful citrus twist that will enhance almost any recipe.
Making your own syrup allows you to skip the artificial additives found in store-bought versions, ensuring a fresher, more authentic taste. With the balance of tart lemon and sweet orange extracts, this syrup has a zesty flavor that complements both sweet and savory creations.
Ingredients
White Sugar
Sugar is the base ingredient for this syrup, helping to balance the acidity of the citrus extracts and creating the syrupy consistency that makes this treat so versatile.
Filtered Water
Water helps dissolve the sugar and forms the liquid base for your syrup, ensuring the right consistency for easy mixing into drinks and other recipes.
Lemon Extract
Lemon extract brings the fresh, tangy essence of lemons to the syrup, enhancing its citrusy flavor without the need for fresh lemons.
Orange Extract
Orange extract adds a sweet, aromatic orange flavor that complements the tartness of the lemon extract, creating a balanced and refreshing citrus combination.
Directions
- Start by combining the sugar and filtered water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the liquid to become clear. This is the base of your simple syrup.
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the lemon and orange extracts. These extracts will give the syrup its signature citrus flavor, infusing it with both the bright tang of lemon and the sweet, refreshing essence of orange.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a clean container for storage.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one month. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Lemon Orange Syrup
This simple syrup recipe is incredibly easy to make, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. First, use high-quality extracts for the most authentic citrus flavor. While fresh citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are fantastic, using extracts allows you to capture the purest flavors without the need to peel, juice, or zest the fruit.
If you have already made lemon and orange syrups separately, you can combine the two at a 1:1 ratio to create your own homemade Lemon Orange Syrup. This method works wonderfully if you want to blend the two syrups for a more balanced flavor profile, and it gives you an excellent option for mixing up different types of citrus syrups.
Creative Ways to Use Lemon Orange Syrup
Lemon Orange Syrup isn’t just for mixing into drinks. This versatile syrup can be used in a wide range of recipes, adding a burst of citrusy sweetness wherever you need it. Here are a few ways to incorporate your homemade syrup into your daily meals and beverages:
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Add a splash of Lemon Orange Syrup to your cocktails for a zesty citrus kick. It works beautifully in a variety of drinks, such as margaritas, mojitos, or a simple spritzer. For a non-alcoholic version, mix it with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing mocktail.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle this citrus syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet and tangy breakfast treat. It’s a great alternative to maple syrup and adds a tropical twist to your morning routine.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Stir a spoonful of Lemon Orange Syrup into iced tea or lemonade for a naturally sweetened citrus beverage. You can even experiment with different types of tea, such as green tea or herbal blends, to create a refreshing, citrus-infused drink.
- Fruit Salads and Yogurt: Use the syrup as a topping for fresh fruit salads or swirl it into yogurt for a burst of citrus flavor. The syrup pairs wonderfully with berries, melons, and other fruits.
- Baked Goods: Lemon Orange Syrup can also be used as an ingredient in baked goods. Add a spoonful to cake batter, muffin dough, or cupcake frosting for a citrusy flavor. You can also use it to glaze cakes or scones for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Smoothies: Blend a little syrup into your smoothies for extra sweetness and a citrus twist. It pairs particularly well with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and coconut.
Storing Lemon Orange Syrup
Proper storage is key to ensuring your Lemon Orange Syrup stays fresh and ready to use. Once the syrup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into a clean, airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the syrup will last for up to one month. Because the syrup is made with extracts, it’s important to store it in a cool place to preserve its flavor.
If you find yourself making large batches of syrup or using it infrequently, consider freezing the syrup in ice cube trays for easy portioning. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need, keeping the syrup fresh for longer.
Why Make Lemon Orange Syrup?
Making your own Lemon Orange Syrup is a great way to control the ingredients and avoid the high fructose corn syrup and preservatives often found in store-bought options. By making your syrup at home, you can adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences and enjoy a fresh, flavorful product that enhances any drink or dish. The combination of lemon and orange extracts gives the syrup a bright, refreshing taste that works well in a variety of recipes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal time.
Your turn!
Lemon Orange Syrup is a simple and versatile sweetener that adds a refreshing citrus flavor to any recipe. Whether you’re adding it to your favorite beverages, pouring it over pancakes, or using it in desserts, this homemade syrup brings a delightful burst of tangy sweetness to everything it touches. The combination of lemon and orange extracts creates a balanced flavor that is both zesty and sweet, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen pantry.
So, if you’re looking to brighten up your drinks and dishes, why not give this easy Lemon Orange Syrup recipe a try? It’s an effortless way to infuse your recipes with the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon and orange, adding a sweet and tangy twist to any occasion.
I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!
Check Out My Cookbook, Simple Syrups From Scratch!
Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.
The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!
Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Lemon Orange Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp orange extract
Instructions
- Start by combining the sugar and filtered water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the liquid to become clear. This is the base of your simple syrup.
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the lemon and orange extracts. These extracts will give the syrup its signature citrus flavor, infusing it with both the bright tang of lemon and the sweet, refreshing essence of orange.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a clean container for storage.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one month. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
