Oleo Saccharum
Oleo saccharum is a rich, aromatic syrup made by extracting flavorful oils from fresh citrus peels using sugar — no vacuum sealer required. It adds a deep, vibrant citrus essence to cocktails and punches that goes beyond simple juice.
Servings 6 ounces
Calories 219kcal
Ingredients
- 8 whole Meyer lemons or any citrus, zested
- 12 ounces superfine sugar (also called caster sugar)
Instructions
- Zest the lemons, avoiding as much of the bitter white pith as possible. Use a vegetable peeler or channel knife with a gentle but firm hand.8 whole Meyer lemons
- Add the zest to a wide, flat container with good surface area.
- Add superfine sugar. If making a large batch, layer the peels and sugar, then stir well to distribute evenly.12 ounces superfine sugar
- Cover and let sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours, until the sugar has fully dissolved and liquefied.
- Strain out the solids and transfer to an airtight container.
- Juice the zested lemons and reserve for lemonade or mix with the oleo saccharum for a deeper lemon flavor.
Notes
Sugar matters: Superfine (caster) sugar is essential — powdered sugar is too fine and granulated sugar won't dissolve properly. Use about 1 to 2 ounces of superfine sugar for every lemon.
Containers count too: A wide flat container with good surface area works best. A narrow jar causes the zest to stack and slows the process. A plastic bag or even a vacuum sealer will work, but it is possible to make a great oleo saccharum at home without one.
Be careful zesting: Try to avoid peeling the bitter white pith below the zest. Use a gentle hand.
Take your time: This is a cold process — unlike simple syrup, there's no heat involved. You can't rush it.
Mix it up: Use any citrus you like — Meyer lemon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange or blood orange all work beautifully.
Don’t waste the fruit: Juice the zested citrus and use it for lemonade, cocktails or stirred into the oleo saccharum itself for a more intense citrus flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg
