Lemon & cherry cordial
Homemade cordial is truly such a delight.
Easy to make, and relatively quick, it makes enough that you can enjoy many perfect glasses in the hot summer months, or pour into smaller bottles for a delicious, thoughtful gift that people will really enjoy.
I like to use a lemon or grapefruit base for my cordials, simply because we often have an abundance of them.
If I am feeling fancy, I will add fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries or blueberries,) and in December I use cherries for a more festive twist, but even without additional fruit, the simple citrus version is so good.
You could also infuse the syrup with your favourite herb such as rosemary, thyme or mint for a more complex flavour.
Chilled and diluted over ice with water or tonic, this vibrant pink cordial is the perfect refreshment for a summery day.
- 25 g citric acid
- 750 g white sugar
- 1.2 litres water
- 1/2-3/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, to taste)
- 250 g cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
- 1 Measure the citric acid and sugar into a large saucepan, then pour over the water.
- 2
Stir over a medium heat until the sugar and acid are fully dissolved, then turn off the heat.- 3
Stir in the lemon juice and cherries, then cover and leave to cool.- 4
Once cool you have two options: you can strain the cherries from the cordial and enjoy them with icecream or as a topping for your cereal and yoghurt. If you choose this option, you will get a clearer, more lemony cordial with a rosy hue and just a hint of cherry.- 5
If you prefer a more cherry-forward drink, blend the cherries with a splash of cordial until smooth, then stir the blended mixture back into the cordial.- 6
Strain through a wire sieve to remove any remaining lumps. This method will result in a cloudier deep red cordial with a stronger cherry flavour and a lovely bright lemon finish.- 7
Pour the cordial into clean bottles. The cordial should be kept in the fridge, and then diluted to taste.Cordial, Lemon, Cherry, Drink, Gift, - 2
