How to make homemade blackcurrant cordial

Did you know that the word Ribena comes from the Latin word for blackcurrant, ribes? (You can use that on your next pub quiz!) It’s no secret that the flavoursome drink is the perfect way to cool you down on a hot summer’s day, but rather than buy the famous purple drink, have you ever thought about making your own homemade cordial? It’s very simple and so easy to make – anyone can do it! The unpredictable British weather (come rain or shone) brings lots of blooming flowers and ripened fruit that are easily accessible and preserving your creation isn’t a problem. The below cordial recipe makes 600ml and keeps for 3 months – perfect for those long, lazy summer days!

Ingredients:
Blackcurrants
Caster sugar
Water
Lemon

Method:
1) Wash the blackcurrants and remove from the stalks (don’t worry if a few tiny stalks remain, as you will be sieving later).
2) Put the fruit into a large saucepan with the sugar and half the water.
3) Heat it and stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
4) Bring to the boil and then gently simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5) Meanwhile, thinly pare the rind from the lemon, avoiding any white pith.
6) Halve the lemon and squeeze out the juice.
7) Add the rind and juice to the pan and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
8) Turn off the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes.
9) Carefully pour the fruit and juices into a muslin-lined sieve over a large bowl.
10) Leave to drain for a few minutes and squeeze out the juices by pushing with the back of a spoon.
11) Tip the fruit pulp back into the pan and stir in the rest of the water.
12) Sieve again to remove the last of the juice and pulp from the seeds.
13) Clean the pan, then return the syrup to the pan and boil for a minute.
14) Pour into small, hot, sterilized bottles and seal in a cool, dark place.
15) Once opened, store in a fridge.  

Dessert topping
1)  Simmer 150ml of cordial until it is reduced by half.
2)  Spoon over the top of rich, plain cheesecake (or similar dessert) when the liquid is just cool.
3)  Chill the cheesecake and the syrup should thicken further to a lightly set jelly-like topping.  

Top tips:
– When boiling, don’t do it too vigorously, or you will lose the fresh flavour of the fruit.
– Serve the cordial diluted with still or sparkling water.
– It can also be served with prosecco or dry sparkling wine.
– If you can’t find blackcurrants, replace them with redcurrants. These tend to be a little sharper, so leave out the lemon rind and juice.
– Add a spoonful or two to enrich gravy or sauces to serve with game or duck.