| Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 8 mins – 11 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 70 | 0.3g | 0g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 1g | 0.4g | 0g |
An Ode to Seasonal Flavors
When I first stumbled upon the recipe for White Currant and Rosemary Cordial, I felt an immediate connection to its simplicity and elegance. Coming from the New England coast where fresh, seasonal produce is revered, this recipe beautifully captures the essence of summer and early autumn. Its subtly sweet flavor, combined with the aromatic hint of rosemary, transports me back to those fleeting months when the sun casts a golden glow over Portland’s harbor.
This particular cordial is a testament to the beauty of using locally sourced ingredients. White currants, often overshadowed by their red and black cousins, offer a delicate flavor that is both tart and sweet, making them perfect for this refreshing drink. The addition of rosemary is where the magic truly happens. Rosemary is not only a wonderful herb that complements the gentle sweetness of the currants, but it also comes packed with health benefits. According to Healthline, rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
A Versatile Delicacy
What I especially love about the White Currant and Rosemary Cordial is its versatility. It’s similar in its refreshing quality to a classic lemonade, but with a twist that makes it uniquely elegant. This cordial can be enjoyed on its own, mixed with sparkling water for a fizzy delight, or even used as a syrup for topping desserts like panna cotta or vanilla ice cream. It pairs particularly well with seafood dishes, which is very fitting for someone like me who revels in our Atlantic bounty. Imagine serving this cordial alongside a fresh lobster roll or even a platter of oysters on the half shell; the pairing is divine.
Seasonal recipes like this one remind me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. They allow us to savor the fleeting flavors of the season and share those moments with our loved ones. Every time I make this cordial, my daughters Erin and Samantha rush to help with the juicing of the lemon and the stirring of the pot, making it a cherished family activity. For anyone looking to bring a touch of New England charm and a burst of seasonal flavor to their kitchen, I highly recommend giving the White Currant and Rosemary Cordial a try.
For a deeper exploration of the health benefits of rosemary, you might find this article from Healthline [here](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary).
And if you’re curious about the versatility of currants, be sure to check out this [guide](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3-recipes-make-most-out-currants) from BBC Good Food.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb white currants
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon (juiced)
Method
Step One
Rinse the white currants thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any stems or leaves that may be attached.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the white currants, granulated sugar, and water. Stir well to ensure the sugar starts to dissolve.
Step Three
Add the sprigs of fresh rosemary to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the white currants have softened and burst.
Step Four
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or jug, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Step Five
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the strained cordial and stir well to combine.
Step Six
Pour the cordial into sterilized bottles or jars and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Step Seven
To serve, dilute the cordial with still or sparkling water to taste. Enjoy your homemade White Currant and Rosemary Cordial!
