| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 105 | 0g | 0g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 3g | 0g | 0.01g |
If there’s one recipe that particularly warms my heart, it would undoubtedly be the Blackcurrant Cordial. This fruit-based recipe is not only delicious but also roots back into my early memories of my Italian grandparents. While they were known for their hearty Italian-American dishes, they also had a soft spot for fresh, homemade beverages. And when it came to fruit cordials, blackcurrants were always a favorite. I owe my love for this refreshing drink to them, and every sip still carries a whiff of those beautiful days.
Blackcurrant Cordial holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. Its rich crimson color, easy preparation, and laid-back appeal make it a darling on both, the dinner table and lazy afternoons. Moreover, its health benefits are a cherry on the cake. Blackcurrants are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which make this cordial a healthful ally against common colds and to boost general immunity.
An Exercise in Versatility
What’s more, the Blackcurrant Cordial exhibits the versatility that we cherish in the culinary world. It aligns well with a broad spectrum of dishes and beverages. For instance, drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a fruity twist, or use it as a mixer in cocktails to lend a tangy edge to your drink. The options are as endless as they are delightful.
From Garden to Glass
The beauty of making your own cordial begins before you even reach the kitchen—it begins in the garden. There’s something especially satisfying about plucking fresh blackcurrants under the summer sun, their deep purple skin warm to touch and bursting with juicy flavor. I was lucky enough to experience this while hiking around New Jersey’s countryside- a ritual I still cherish. If you don’t have your own blackcurrants, visit a local farmer’s market – at the height of the season, you’ll find them in abundance.
This recipe is reminiscent of some traditional Italian fruit syrups like Sambuca but with a homely, less intoxicating finish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a cordial that is as good—if not better than—any store-bought equivalent, and minus any additives. This is food in its purest form, from my family’s tradition to yours.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh blackcurrants
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup honey (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning your blackcurrants thoroughly, ensuring any leaves or bits of stem are removed. Once clean, place the blackcurrants into a large pot.
Step Two
Add in the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir everything together until well-mixed and the sugar starts to dissolve.
Step Three
Place the pot onto a stove over medium heat. Continue to stir the mixture as it heats, bringing it to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until the blackcurrants have broken down and released their juice.
Step Four
After boiling, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing on the blackcurrants to get as much juice out as possible. Discard the solids.
Step Five
If you’re using honey, allow the liquid to cool slightly before stirring it in. Continue stirring until it is fully dissolved.
Step Six
Once cooled, pour your blackcurrant cordial into a glass bottle or reservoir of your choice. You can refrigerate it and enjoy it as a refreshing drink when needed. If it’s too strong, feel free to dilute it with some water.
