Cordials Recipe

Cordial Preparation Directions

1. 1

   Prepare the Fruit

   Wash the fresh fruit thoroughly under cool water. If using berries, remove any stems. For lemons, cut them in half and squeeze out the juice.

2. 2

   Make the Fruit Syrup

   In a medium saucepan, combine the prepared fruit, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add Lemon Juice

   After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This will enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the syrup.

4. 4

   Strain the Mixture

   Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a clean glass container. Press the fruit with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

5. 5

   Cool and Store

   Let the cordial cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

6. 6

   Serve

   To serve, mix the cordial with water, soda, or sparkling water in a ratio of 1 part cordial to 3 parts mixer, or adjust to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.