| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 0g | 0g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 2g | 0g | 0g |
Welcome, fellow gourmands, to another delightful offering from my kitchen. Today, we’re turning our culinary compass to the exploration of summertime refreshment: Tayberry Cordial. A bracingly sweet and tart elixir, this cordial recipe is a tremendous twist on my usual fare. Unexpectedly, a dish like this isn’t just a far cry from spaghetti and meatballs, but it also springs from a heritage of Italian flavor albeit with a deliciously innovative spin.
Passing Down the Tradition
It’s not all about pastas and delicious antipasti in Italian cooking. Italy has a vast tradition of delicious homemade liqueurs and cordials. Even though my Tayberry cordial recipe does not involve any alcohol, it was inspired by those loving memories of my grandparents. They notably tended their own fruit orchards in addition to concocting a variety of thirst-quenching, homemade fruit cordials. Whether we were celebrating a family gathering or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon, these cordials provided a cool respite, much akin to fresh mountain air during my favorite hiking trips.
Healthy and Refreshing
And speaking of hikes, this Tayberry Cordial is not just mouth-wateringly sweet and tart, it also carries a raft of health benefits. As per Healthline, the berries we use in the recipe are high in antioxidants and fiber, helping support a healthy digestive system. The added mint also has a cooling effect and promotes digestion. Lastly, by using granulated white sugar sparingly and focusing on the natural sweetness of the tayberries, this cordial balances flavor without tipping the scales on your daily sugar intake.
Pairs Well with Savory Dishes
Now, if you’re wondering whether this cordial can accompany your favorite Italian dishes, rest assured, this cordial is a versatile companion. For instance, it would accoutre Margherita Pizza or a plate full of Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto quite well. The tangy berry and brisk mint can cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next delectable bite.
So there you have it, fellow food lovers; a recipe that not only refreshes but takes you on a nostalgic journey back to my Italian heritage, while also nodding to my personal love for health and the great outdoors. Salute!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh Tayberries
- 1 cup of white granulated sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 6 sprigs of fresh mint
- 6 cups of cold seltzer water
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the Tayberries gently yet thoroughly in cold water. Set them aside.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the 2 cups of Tayberries together with 1 cup of white granulated sugar and 4 cups of water. Set the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
Step Three
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. At this stage, the berries should break down and form a syrup.
Step Four
After the syrup simmers, remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour in the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and stir well.
Step Five
Straightaway strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug, pressing on the Tayberries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the berry solids.
Step Six
Add the fresh mint sprigs to the Tayberry syrup in the pitcher. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours so as to allow the mint to infuse the syrup.
Step Seven
When you’re ready to serve the cordial, remove the mint sprigs from the pitcher. Pour the cold seltzer water into the pitcher and gently stir the mixture.
Step Eight
Serve the Tayberry Cordial over ice. Add a fresh mint leaf or a few more Tayberries to each glass for garnish, if desired. Enjoy!
