Underground Journal

Make Your Own Cordials

So you’ve gone out and purchased a new set of cordial glasses. Before you start buying cordials, stop and think. Wouldn’t you rather try and make your own cordials? Isn’t it too complicated? Better left to experts?

No, it’s better left to people who take cordials seriously. And if you’ve got some time and a little patience, there’s no reason that you can’t make delicious cordials that – served up in a nice cordial glass especially for the occasion – will make you the envy of your friends and family.

Start by deciding what flavor cordial you want to make. Maybe you’ve got a hankering for something with raspberries? Maybe you need something that’s a bit more tropical – a banana, say, or even a mango.

Buy the best fruit you can and wash it carefully. Then, using a sharp knife and clean cutting board, chop it into small but coarse chunks. You are aiming for approximately two cups – enough to fill a quart-sized Mason Jar.

Throw the fruit in and then follow it with a cup of white sugar. That’s right – a cup. Cordials are sweet drinks and you can’t skimp on this step. Don’t think calories and don’t think cavities. If you want, you can substitute brown sugar for white.

Now add your liquid to the jar. If you want a non-alcoholic cordial, use water. If you are after an alcoholic cordial, consider a fruit-flavored brandy or an expensive vodka. Screw the top on and give it a good shake. For the next few days, give the jar a good shake – your goal is to see all the sugar dissolved.

Now you need to draw on your patience. Store the jar where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Wait approximately six months. Then, strain the cordial so that the remnants of fruit are removed and you’ve done it – you have made your own cordial. Store it in a fancy bottle, or serve some right away in that cordial glass you’ve been reserving for just this moment.

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