Pineapple Cordial Recipe
Make Pineapple Cordial Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pineapple cordial base
Aromatics and preservation
Finishing and serving
Method
Pineapple cordial base
- 1
Prepare pineapple
Place the chopped pineapple in a blender or food processor and pulse until mostly smooth but not completely silky (a few small pieces for texture). You should have about 1 to 1 1/4 cups purée.
- 2
Cook sugar and pineapple
In a medium saucepan combine the pineapple purée, granulated sugar, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- 3
Add citrus and salt
Once simmering, add the fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and salt. Continue to simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the raw pineapple aroma mellows.
Aromatics and preservation
- 4
Infuse aromatics
Add the split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract), sliced ginger, whole cloves, and orange zest to the simmering pineapple mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer very gently for another 6–8 minutes to extract the aromatics without reducing too far. Taste and adjust: if you want a brighter edge, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon lime juice.
- 5
Strain and cool
Remove the pan from heat. Set a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a double layer of fine mesh) over a bowl or measuring jug. Pour the hot pineapple mixture through the sieve, pressing gently on solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Let the strained cordial cool to warm (about 20–30 minutes).
- 6
Optional preservation
If using vodka/neutral spirit, stir it into the warm cordial now (about 60 ml) — this helps preserve the cordial and adds stability for refrigerated storage. Alternatively, skip the spirit and refrigerate promptly.
Finishing and serving
- 7
Sweetness and dilution check
Once cooled, taste the cordial. The syrup should be noticeably sweet and concentrated. If it's too sweet or thick, dilute small portions with water to check final balance. The cordial is intended to be a concentrate: typical serving is 30–60 ml cordial mixed with 150–200 ml water or soda.
- 8
Bottle and chill
Transfer the cooled cordial into a clean bottle or jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld. Stored refrigerated with the optional spirit, it will keep 3–4 weeks; without spirit, use within 7–10 days.
- 9
Serve
To serve as a nonalcoholic refresher: fill a tall glass with ice, add 45 ml (3 tbs) pineapple cordial, top with 180 ml soda water or cold water, stir gently, and garnish with a mint sprig. For a cocktail: mix 45 ml cordial, 45 ml light rum or vodka, and 90 ml soda or sparkling water over ice; stir and garnish.