1lemon zested using a ribbon peelerkeep in long thin strips
1/2cupwhipping cream
Instructions
In a small dish combine ¼ cup club soda and the gelatin, let stand to thicken.
In a small saucepan heat lemon juice and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved.
Pour mixture into a large bowl and add the remaining 1 ½ cups club soda, stirring gently to combine.
Keep in bowl, or pour into individual cups. Chill until set, about 2-5 hours.
To make topping, start by making candied lemon strips by bring the water and 1/4 cup of sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the thin lemon strips and allow to boil for about 10 minutes (add a bit more water if it evaporates too quickly). The mixture will by syrupy in consistency.
Use a fork to pull out the lemon and place in a dish with the remaining 2 Tbsp of sugar, tossing to coat. Spread out and allow to dry until hardened.
Chop sugar-coated lemon strips into fine pieces, or place them in a mini food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Whip cream until soft peaks form then stir in candied lemon bits to sweeten as desired.
Notes
Using fresh lemon juice (compared to bottled) really does make a huge difference in flavor. *For a vegan version, use agar agar in place of gelatin. Refer to the package to know how much to substitute and how to prepare it.