With a sharp vegetable peeler, cut long strips of zest from lemons, being sure not to take any of the bitter white pith. Slice the strips into ⅛-inch-thick strands.
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan; add the zest and simmer until translucent, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool in the syrup.
Strain zest and use for garnish. Use the syrup in drinks or on pancakes. You can refrigerate both for 2 weeks.
Notes
Recipe makes about ¼ cup of zest and ½ cup lemon simple syrup.Nutrition is for 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons syrup.You can use it to top any type of dessert, or chop it up and add it to cookies.Prepared candied zest will keep in the fridge, tightly covered for several weeks, and the sugar syrup that goes along with it can be used in cocktails as a simple syrup.