Pink Ginger Cordial

Hot, isn't it? And my hayfever seems to make me incredibly thirsty. But I am not a fan of over-sweet drinks, so I am thrilled that the Pink Ginger Cordial I made this weekend, turned out to be just the answer.

So simple to make as well. I used a recipe from Seasonal Preserves, by Joanna Farrow, with a few tweaks. Here is my version:

Grate 85g root ginger into a large bowl. There is no need to peel it, as you will strain the cordial later. Add to it one lemon (with the skin left on, sliced thinly), 250g granulated sugar and a small handful of raspberries (the recipe called for 3 blackberries, but they aren't in season yet, so I used what I had. They aren't really for taste anyway, just to provide the pretty pink colour. The recipe also called for 1 tsp citric acid, which I didn't have. But I know lemon juice contains citric acid, so I lobbed in the juice of half a lemon too. I think the citric acid would aid preservation, so would be a good idea if you don't plan to guzzle it as fast as we have been doing.

Now pour 500ml of boiling water over all the other ingredients in the bowl. Cover with clingfilm and let it stand overnight. The following morning, strain through muslin and pour into a sterilized bottle. Keep it in the fridge.

With the citric acid, it should keep for up to 4 weeks, but I don't think ours will hang about anywhere near that long. We diluted the cordial with sparkling water and lots of ice. It's got a really great gingery kick and without being over-sweet and is the most perfectly pink colour.

And if you wanted to drown your sorrows over the football, I'm sure it would make a mean mixer with a splash of vodka. Just saying.

Comments

[lizandrsn]

Here in the States we can find citric acid in the home canning section of the hardware store or the Mega Marts (Fruit Fresh is one brand)-- if it helps. I think the additional lemon juice was a good idea. I love lemon and ginger water without any sugar, so this sounds good to me.

[kristina]

Mmm! Thank you so much for the recipe. Think I might just have to order the book!

And if you find out where to get citric acid in the UK do let me know, as I have another cordial recipe that calls for it...

K x

[lina]

Sounds very refreshing and tangy - in with the gin I say! I made raspberry lemonade here a few days ago and it took a shocking amount of sugar to make it palatable, even though I do not have a sweet tooth. Oh and we can buy citric acid in powder form from the pharmacy here in Canada.

[Tracy]

Oh yum. I am sure that will be very warming too so we will have to try it to chase the chills away.

[kirsten]

this sounds delightful! esp. as i am under the weather today - send me some? ;)

[Julie]

sounds delicious! perfect for keeping refreshed in this hot weather.

[Gina]

Sounds good! I've got citric acid at the chemist counter of my local supermarket in the past.

[Amaranthine]

Sounds delicious. I have a small boy who has developed a taste for ginger beer so I think maybe a session making some of our own would be in order. Thanks for the recipe.

[Emma]

Oh that sounds divine - like a very pretty, very refreshing gingery beer. Summery and good. I managed to get citric acid from Lloyds although the lady eyed me with suspicion and asked me what I was planning to do with it. I actually made elderflower cordial last night for the first time ever. I'm elated!

[lucy locket]

That sounds delicious! Thanks for the recipe. Lucy x

[simone]

My taste buds are tingling just thinking of this lovely drink. I must make it as soon as my fat weary legs can get me out to buy some ginger!

[Julia@kolo]

Sounds tasty and just the thing for distracting from football scores.

[Rebecca]

Oooh, it sounds rather heavenly and I have just added ginger to my shopping list. I am on a bit of preservation kick at the moment, the shelves are filling up.

[French Knots]

Sounds very refreshing, just right for sipping in this wonderful weather.

[domestikate]

It would never occur to me to make a drink like this, but it looks so simple!

[TheMadHouse]

I wish I could make this, but ginger just makes me feel ill, takes me back to those terrible pregnancies!

[claire]

This sounds delicious. You can get citric acid from amazon or anywhere that sells supplies for home-brewing (I thinks it's used in homemade wine).

[Firefly]

Oooo, sounds heavenly! I can't wait to make some.
I used to make banana liqueur but haven't lately -- think I will. You've inspired me!

[Healthy Foods Blog]

I too, absolutely love your idea! I'm wondering now how great the taste would be. Thanks for your step by step guide! I hope I could follow it perfectly.

- Tera

[Megan]

That sounds great with some hot water for winter too.

The checkout operator who served me in the supermarket last night was a British ex-pat and he was a most upset young man. Should have listened to his accent before I asked him how his day had been...

[SQ]

I too like the idea of it with hot water for winter. In Australia (where it is winter), you can buy citric acid alongside the baking powder and bicarb of soda in the flour aisle of the supermarket.

[dottycookie]

That sounds like something I need to make asap ...

[jackie]

That sounds delicious but alas too much sugar for me. Oh well..there's always Iced fruit tea.

[Bele]

Great picture and it surely sounds tasty. Maybe I will give it a try with some champagne? Sorry for you gals, but over here we just have the best football summer EVER!
Greetings from Cologne, Germany!
Bele

[Bev]

this sounds delicous. i do love ginger.

[maXine]

Found this while browsing many ideas for ginger/lemon cordial. It appealed the most as the sugar content was not excessive. Not having any berries to hand I did not add - so, not pink, but so very delicious, and very easy. The overnight steeping really brings to the fore the flavours.

Drinking either hot or cold (hot at the moment as it is winter here in Oz, and I have a persistent head-cold - hence the ginger/lemon cordial search)

I think many variations could be had, with the addition of say a few cloves, or a star anise perhaps, depending on taste.

[maXine]

Took this to work after I made it. Everyone raved about it - especially good last Friday (I work in a Garden Centre in Canberra, Australia), when the apparent temperature was below zero practically all day. Several teaspoons in a cup of boiled water is so warming to the body and soul.

Got called at work work today by one of my colleagues, asking "tell me that recipe again?"

Did try some variations, less sugar, honey substituted, less ginger, more lemon - have to say, your recipe wins hands down :D