Ingredients
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4-5 lemons
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 6.5 oz by weight)
Mocktail
- 1-1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional)
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oleo saccharum: Wash and carefully peel 4-5 lemons, avoiding the white pith to prevent bitterness. Place the lemon peels in a clean jar with an equal weight of sugar (about 1 cup or 6.5 oz). Stir the sugar through the lemon peels and gently muddle a few times to release oils. Cover the jar and let it rest at room temperature overnight to allow the flavors to infuse and create the oleo saccharum syrup.
- Strain the oleo saccharum: After resting, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down the lemon peel solids with a spoon to extract all the infused syrup. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum.
- Assemble the mocktail: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Add 1 to 1.5 ounces of the lemon oleo saccharum.
- Add the sparkling component: Pour 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco into the glass to top up the drink.
- Adjust flavor: Taste your mocktail and optionally add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if you prefer a more tangy brightness.
- Garnish and serve: Add a thin lemon slice or a sprig of thyme for an aromatic and elegant garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, citrusy mocktail.
Notes
- Oleo saccharum must be prepared the day before to allow proper extraction of lemon oils.
- Be careful not to include too much white pith while peeling lemons to avoid bitterness.
- The mocktail is best served chilled and freshly made.
- You can use lemon sparkling water for a less sweet option or non-alcoholic Prosecco for a more festive feel.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity by varying the oleo saccharum and lemon juice quantities to taste.
- Store leftover oleo saccharum refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight for oleo saccharum infusion)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian