Caution when working with hot sugar, it can cause serious burns. Keep the children away.
If using molds spray or brush them lightly with oil. Place the wooden sticks in their place. If you don't have molds, brush two baking trays with oil. Set aside.
Place the water, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, it will not take long. When the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring, increase the heat and let the mixture cook without stirring until the temperature of the sugar reaches 148 degrees Celsius/ 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture should be only lightly amber-colored. This should take about 5 minutes.
Take off the heat and quickly but carefully stir in the lemon flavor and the food coloring.
Spoon the melted sugar in the lollipop molds or on the baking trays. If using trays, place a small circle of hot candy on it, place a wooden stick on the hot sugar circle, press and turn it lightly to make sure the stick has candy all over. If necessary, place a drop of extra candy on the stick to make sure it holds.
Should the candy harden before you are finished, reheat it on the stove, on low heat, until it is liquid again.
Let the pops harden, then remove them from the molds or from the tray.