By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 2
60 min
Lemon Molasses
Recipe GLPR8472843a24c54f
A simple and elegant Middle Eastern-inspired syrup made by reducing fresh lemon juice with granulated sugar. This bright, tangy-sweet concentrate develops deep caramel notes as the mixture simmers, creating a versatile condiment or glaze with a complex flavor profile reminiscent of molasses. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Ingredients
530 grams fresh lemon juice
106 grams granulated sugar
Directions
Pour the fresh lemon juice into a heavy-bottomed saucepan or small pot.
Add the granulated sugar to the lemon juice and stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely.
Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking uncovered for approximately 45-50 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and encourage even reduction.
Monitor the mixture carefully as it reduces—it will gradually darken from pale yellow to a deeper amber color and become thicker and more syrup-like in consistency.
The syrup is ready when it has reduced to roughly one-third of its original volume and coats the back of a spoon; it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature or serve while still warm, depending on your intended use.
Comments
Only lemon juice and sugar—two staples at any Charlotte grocer for under $3 total, often less. The stated 60 minutes is honest for a small-batch molasses where time does the work, not your attention. Two servings make this an ideal weeknight condiment or syrup that stores well refrigerated for weeks, so one batch covers multiple meals. The simplicity and availability make this a genuine no-friction repeat recipe.
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