If snow is hard to come by where you live, inexpensive shaved ice machines can create snow cones any time of year.

In a small saucepan, rub the lemon zest into the sugar with your fingers until moist and fragrant. Add the lemon juice and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a jar, pressing on the zest with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Cover the jar and refrigerate until cold. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the syrup over ½ cup (125 ml) snow or shaved ice.