Pineapple Cordial Recipe

Pineapple Cordial Base

1. 1

   Prepare the pineapple

   Trim top and bottom from the whole pineapple. Stand upright and slice off the skin in vertical strips, removing any remaining 'eyes' with the tip of a knife. Core the pineapple and cut the flesh into 1-inch chunks (you should have about 4–5 cups). Reserve any juice that comes out while cutting.

2. 2

   Make pineapple purée

   Place the pineapple chunks (and reserved juice) into a blender or food processor. Add the 1-inch piece of peeled fresh ginger if using. Purée on high until smooth, about 30–45 seconds. There will be about 3 to 3 1/2 cups of purée.

3. 3

   Cook with sugar

   In a medium saucepan combine the granulated sugar and 2 cups water. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan; add the pod as well. Add the whole cloves and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 3–4 minutes).

4. 4

   Combine purée and syrup

   Carefully pour the pineapple purée into the simmering syrup. Reduce heat to low and simmer very gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to infuse and slightly concentrate the flavor—not to caramelize.

5. 5

   Acid balance

   Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lime juice to brighten the flavor and help preserve the cordial.

6. 6

   Steep and cool

   Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) with the vanilla pod and cloves steeping in it for additional aroma.

7. 7

   Strain

   Set a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or large measuring cup and line it with a double layer of cheesecloth or a fine nut-milk bag. Pour the cooled mixture through to remove solids, pressing gently on the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids and spices (or reserve a few tablespoons of pulp for another use).

8. 8

   Optional clarification (for a clear cordial)

   If you want a crystal-clear cordial, chill the strained liquid until cold, then gently decant off any clear liquid from the top after solids settle, or use a coffee filter to further clarify. This step can add 30–60 minutes and is optional.

9. 9

   Add spirit for preservation (optional)

   If using, stir in the 120 ml (about 4 fl oz) of vodka or neutral spirit to stabilize and lengthen shelf life. Adjust quantity up to 240 ml for stronger preservation; note this will increase alcohol content.

10. 10

    Bottle and store

    Transfer the cordial into sterilized bottles or jars using a funnel. Seal tightly. Store refrigerated for up to 2–3 weeks if no spirit was added; with the optional vodka it will keep for several months refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze in ice-cube trays and thaw as needed.

11. 11

    Use

    Use the pineapple cordial as a mixer for cocktails (try 20–30 ml per drink), to flavor sodas and sparkling water, or as a drizzle for desserts, yogurt, or ice cream.