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You can use lemon squash in a bunch of refreshing ways, from a quick drink to a marinade or even a dessert topping.
If you’ve ever stared at a bottle of lemon squash and wondered what to do with it beyond the obvious, you’re in the right place.
Lemon squash is a concentrated lemon drink made from lemon juice, sugar, and often a little citric acid or preservative.
It’s not the same as fresh lemonade, but it’s a versatile ingredient that can do way more than just make a glass of cold drink.
In this post, we’ll look at how to use lemon squash in drinks, cooking, baking, and a few clever kitchen hacks.
Let’s dive in.
How to Use Lemon Squash for Refreshing Drinks
The most common way to use lemon squash is, of course, in drinks.
But there’s more than one way to enjoy it.
1. Classic Lemon Squash Drink
The simplest way to use lemon squash is to dilute it with water or sparkling water.
The typical ratio is one part lemon squash to four or five parts water, but you can adjust it to your taste.
Add ice, a slice of fresh lemon, and a sprig of mint for a drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
2. Lemon Squash Iced Tea
Brew a batch of plain black or green tea and let it cool.
Stir in a spoonful of lemon squash instead of sugar and lemon slices.
This is a great way to use lemon squash if you want a sweet, citrusy twist on regular iced tea.
3. Lemon Squash Cocktails and Mocktails
Lemon squash works beautifully as a cocktail mixer.
Add a splash to vodka, gin, or rum with soda water for a quick, tangy drink.
For a mocktail, mix lemon squash with tonic water, crushed ice, and a few berries.
4. Warm Lemon Squash
On a cold day, you can use lemon squash to make a soothing hot drink.
Stir a spoonful into a mug of hot water, add a little honey and ginger, and you’ve got a cozy, lemony warmer.
It’s a bit like a shortcut hot lemonade, and it’s great for sore throats.
How to Use Lemon Squash in Cooking and Baking
You can also use lemon squash as an ingredient in the kitchen.
It’s not just for drinks, and here’s how to make it work.
1. Salad Dressings
Whisk lemon squash with olive oil, a little mustard, and salt and pepper.
The sweetness in the squash balances the oil, so you get a dressing that’s tangy and smooth.
This is one of the easiest ways to use lemon squash if you’re out of fresh lemons.
2. Marinades for Chicken and Fish
Use lemon squash as the base of a marinade for chicken, fish, or even tofu.
Mix it with garlic, soy sauce, and a little olive oil.
The acid and sugar in the squash help tenderize the protein and give it a bright, citrusy flavor.
3. Baking and Desserts
You can use lemon squash in baking to add a lemony kick to cakes, muffins, and glazes.
Swap a few tablespoons of lemon squash for some of the liquid in your recipe.
It also works as a quick drizzle over pound cake, pancakes, or yogurt.
Just remember it’s already sweet, so cut back on added sugar.
4. Sauces and Glazes
Reduce lemon squash in a pan with a little butter and herbs to make a quick glaze for roasted carrots, chicken, or salmon.
It’s a simple way to use lemon squash that adds a shiny, sweet-tart finish to your dish.
Creative Ways to Use Lemon Squash Beyond the Basics
Lemon squash can also be a handy kitchen helper for things you might not expect.
1. Freeze It into Ice Cubes
Pour lemon squash into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Drop a cube or two into water, iced tea, or cocktails for an instant flavor boost.
This is a great way to use lemon squash without worrying about it going bad in the fridge.
2. Make Lemon Butter
Blend softened butter with a spoonful of lemon squash and a pinch of salt.
Spread it on toast, scones, or corn on the cob.
It’s a fast, flavorful way to use lemon squash that feels a little fancy.
3. Sweeten Yogurt or Oatmeal
Stir a little lemon squash into plain yogurt or a bowl of oatmeal.
It adds sweetness and a lemony zing without needing extra sugar or honey.
Plus, it’s a simple way to use lemon squash in your breakfast routine.
4. Flavor Sorbet or Granita
Mix lemon squash with water and a bit of zest, then freeze and scrape with a fork.
You’ll get a quick lemon granita or sorbet that’s light and refreshing.
It’s one of the more fun ways to use lemon squash when you want a cold treat.
So, How Do You Use Lemon Squash?
You use lemon squash by diluting it for drinks, mixing it into marinades and dressings, baking it into cakes, or freezing it into cubes and desserts.
It’s a flexible ingredient that works in both sweet and savory recipes.
The next time you have a bottle sitting in your pantry, don’t just make a glass of juice.
Try one of these ideas and see how many ways you can use lemon squash in your kitchen.