Homemade Lemon Rind Drink Recipe
Have you ever wondered what you can do with the lemon rind after grating lemons for a recipe? Instead of throwing it away, you can use it to prepare a refreshing homemade lemon rind drink!
This lemon rind drink is a simple recipe made by boiling water with sugar and lemon rind, then allowing the mixture to cool before adding freshly squeezed lemon juice. The result is a refreshing citrus drink that you can refrigerate and enjoy chilled, especially on a warm afternoon.
I love finding practical ways to make use of the ingredients available in our home, and this recipe is one of those simple ideas that can come in handy. When I was preparing a zucchini cake, I needed lemon zest for the cake, so I decided to make use of the lemons further by preparing this drink with the rind and juice.
One thing I appreciate about this recipe is that it doesn’t require complicated ingredients or equipment. You’ll only need lemons, water, sugar, and a saucepan. The preparation is also straightforward: boil the water, add the sugar and lemon rind, allow the mixture to boil briefly, then strain and cool it. Once it has cooled completely, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and refrigerate the drink until it is cold.
Adding the lemon juice after the mixture has cooled is a simple step that allows the fresh citrus flavour to shine through. I also like to squeeze the lemons again by hand after using a lemon squeezer, because sometimes the squeezer doesn’t extract all the juice. This helps me get more out of the lemons instead of wasting what remains.
You can prepare this drink ahead of time and keep it refrigerated, ready to serve when you need something refreshing. Serve it over ice for a lovely chilled drink to enjoy with a homemade cake, a snack, or a meal.
If you enjoy budget-friendly homemade drinks and practical ways to make the most of ingredients in your kitchen, I hope you’ll give this lemon rind drink a try. It’s a simple addition to your homemade refreshments, and you can adjust the sweetness and lemon flavour to suit your preference.
In my countryside kitchen vlog, I prepared this drink alongside a homemade zucchini cake and gluten-free cassava drop scones. You can watch the full process on my YouTube channel, Recipes and Hospitality with Clara. The link is included at the end of the recipe card.
Let’s make this refreshing lemon drink!
Lemon Rind Drink Recipe | Refreshing Homemade Lemon Drink
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Measuring jug
- Measuring cup and spoon
- Grater or zester
- Lemon squeezer
- Sieve or strainer
- Stirring spoon
- Clean bottles or a covered jug for refrigeration
Ingredients
- 2 litres water
- 1 cup Sugar to taste (you can start with ½ cup and adjust to your preference)
- Lemon rind or zest from the lemons used for the recipe
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the lemons. Wash the lemons thoroughly before grating their outer rind. Avoid grating too deeply into the white pith, which can add bitterness.
- Boil the water. Pour 2 litres of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add the sugar. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
- Add the lemon rind. Add the grated lemon rind and stir to distribute it throughout the water.
- Boil briefly. Cover the saucepan, bring the mixture back to a boil, and allow it to boil for approximately one minute.
- Strain the mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the lemon rind.
- Allow it to cool. Leave the lemon-infused liquid to cool completely before adding the fresh lemon juice.
- Squeeze the lemons. Extract the juice from the lemons you grated. If using a lemon squeezer, squeeze the lemons again by hand to get any remaining juice.
- Add the lemon juice. Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the cooled lemon-infused liquid.
- Bottle and refrigerate. Transfer the drink to clean bottles or a covered jug and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve. Pour into glasses over ice and enjoy your refreshing homemade lemon rind drink!
Video
Notes
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Adjust the sweetness: Start with less sugar and add more to taste.
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Use only the coloured rind: Too much white pith can make the drink bitter.
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Cool before adding the juice: This helps preserve the fresh lemon flavour.
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Serve chilled, preferably: Refrigerate the drink before serving for the most refreshing result.
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Store safely: Keep the drink refrigerated in clean, covered containers and consume it within a few days. Discard it if its smell, appearance, or taste changes unexpectedly.
Watch the full recipe vlog
Would you like to see how I prepare this refreshing lemon rind drink at home? Watch the full countryside kitchen vlog above on my YouTube channel, Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, where I also make gluten-free cassava drop scones and a delicious zucchini cake without an oven.Enjoy Your Homemade Lemon Rind Drink
I hope you’ll give this lemon rind drink a try and enjoy a refreshing homemade drink with your family. It’s a simple way to make use of lemon rind while creating something delicious to serve chilled on a warm day or alongside your favourite homemade treats.
More Recipes and Hospitality Ideas
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! You can also visit my YouTube channel, Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, for more budget-friendly recipes, gardening, and practical ideas for making your home a place of warmth and hospitality.
Thank you for stopping by, and happy cooking!
Enhancing our hospitality for the glory of God.
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