Wash your unwaxed lemons using soapy water. You can also soak them in a sink full of cold water with about ½ cup of raw apple cider vinegar for a few hours to help remove pesticides and herbicides if you are not using organic lemons.

Dry the lemons with a cloth.

Use a knife to cut the peels off of the lemons. You can alternatively zest the lemons.

Add the peels or fresh lemon zest to a clean jar. You want the jar to be about ¾ of the way full with peels or zest.

Pour vodka (or whatever alcohol you’re using) over the skin of the lemons. I used unflavoured vodka to keep the flavor of the extract neutral.

Put a lid on the jar and set it in a dark, room-temperature place for about 6-8 weeks. Aim to shake the jar every few days to keep everything submerged.

After 8 weeks, use a mesh strainer to strain off the extract.

Use a funnel to add the extract to a clean glass jar. And you’re finished! Store it in a cool dark place. I hope this recipe gives you the confidence to make your own extract from the lemons you have on hand.