Homemade Citrus Syrup Drink

Citrus syrup drink in a jug with ice and lemon slices.

5 from 1 vote

This refreshing homemade citrus syrup drink is made with an orange or lemon citrus simple syrup combined with fizzy water or tonic.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: cup

Calories: 630kcal

Author: Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

FOR THE CITRUS SYRUP

1-1½ tablespoons zest (lemon or orange) 2 lemons or oranges
1 cup lemon or orange juice (fresh squeezed) about 8-10 lemons or oranges
½-¾ cup granulated sugar

FOR THE DRINK

2-3 tablespoons syrup or more if you wish
4-6 ice cubes
4 cups fizzy water or tonic water
2-4 sliced lemon or orange

Instructions

FOR THE CITRUS SYRUP

Pour the juice into a medium/ large pot, add the sugar and zest, bring to a boil on medium heat. Keep boiling for 3-4 minutes, stir often to avoid caramelizing the sugar. Remove the pot from the heat and filter through a fine-mesh strainer. Place the mixture back in the pot and boil again for 3 minutes.
Sterilize two 1-1½ cup bottles in boiling water for 20 minutes. Remove the bottles and caps from the water and immediately pour in the still hot syrup. Leave them to cool to room temperature until the cap seals. The lemon syrup will keep perfectly for 10-12 months in a cool room. Once open refrigerate. It will keep for up 2-3 weeks in the fridge or in the freezer for up to a year. Enjoy!

FOR THE DRINK

In a large sized pitcher add the water and syrup stir well to combine, then add ice cubes and slices of lemon and or orange. Fill 3-4 glasses, and enjoy!

Notes

Once the sugar syrup is combined with the fizzy pop it’s best to drink immediately. You can store the citrus syrup for longer though!

Store: Store the citrus simple syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Freeze: Freeze the simple syrup in a freeze safe storage container for up to year. I like to use an ice cube tray so it’s easy to just pop out and use in drinks!

Nutrition