Raspberry Cordial Recipe
You’ll appreciate how this classic Victorian raspberry cordial balances sweet and tart flavors while maintaining the fruit’s vibrant essence. The simple combination of fresh raspberries, sugar, and citric acid creates a concentrated syrup that’s both versatile and long-lasting. Whether you’re mixing it with still water, sparkling soda, or using it as a cocktail base, this traditional recipe offers the perfect starting point for crafting your own signature summer refreshment.
Overview
- Combine 4 cups fresh raspberries with 2 cups water, bring to boil, then simmer for 20 minutes while crushing berries.
- Strain raspberry mixture through fine-mesh sieve to collect juice, discarding solids.
- Mix strained raspberry liquid with 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon citric acid.
- Simmer combined mixture for 10 minutes until sugar dissolves completely, then cool before bottling.
- Store cordial in sterilized bottles in refrigerator for up to 3 months, diluting 1:4 with water when serving.
Recipe
This traditional Victorian-era beverage captures the bright, sweet essence of fresh raspberries in a concentrated syrup form. The addition of citric acid helps preserve the cordial while enhancing its natural tartness, creating a perfect balance with the sugar’s sweetness.
The process of making raspberry cordial involves gently cooking fresh raspberries to extract their flavor, followed by straining and combining with sugar and acids. When properly prepared and stored in sterilized bottles, this cordial can be enjoyed for months, simply by diluting with still or sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon citric acid
- 1 vanilla bean (optional)
Instructions:
- Place raspberries and water in a large saucepan
- Bring mixture to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes
- Crush berries against pan sides while cooking
- Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve
- Return liquid to pan
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and citric acid
- Simmer for 10 minutes until sugar dissolves
- Allow to cool completely
- Transfer to sterilized bottles
- Store in refrigerator
- Dilute 1:4 with water when serving
Cooking Steps
Before cooking, you’ll need to sterilize all bottles and equipment in boiling water to guarantee a clean, safe cordial-making process.
Start by bringing the raspberries and water to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes while crushing the berries against the pan’s sides to release their juice.
Once strained through a fine-mesh sieve, combine the raspberry liquid with sugar, lemon juice, and citric acid, simmering for 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely before cooling and bottling in your sterilized containers.
Step 1. Sterilize Bottles and Equipment
Since proper sterilization prevents harmful bacteria growth, you’ll need to thoroughly clean and sterilize all equipment before making raspberry cordial. Start by washing your bottles, sieve, and utensils in hot, soapy water, then rinse them completely to remove any soap residue.
To sanitize liquids properly, submerge your clean bottles and equipment in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. You can also run them through your dishwasher’s sanitize cycle if available. Remove items using sterilized tongs and place them on a clean kitchen towel to air dry.
To prevent contamination, avoid touching the insides of bottles or lids with your hands. Work with your sterilized equipment immediately while it’s still hot, as this guarantees the most hygienic conditions for your cordial-making process.
Step 2. Combine Berries With Water
Once your equipment is properly sterilized, combine 4 cups of fresh raspberries with 2 cups of water in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the berries from sticking to the bottom.
As you heat the raspberries, you’ll notice they’ll begin to break down and release their vibrant color and sweet aroma. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer and continue cooking for 20 minutes. During this time, use your wooden spoon to gently crush the berries against the side of the pan, helping to extract maximum flavor and color from the fruit. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the mixture turns a deep ruby red and the berries become soft and pulpy.
Step 3. Strain Berries Through Sieve
After your raspberry mixture has simmered for the full 20 minutes, you’ll need to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or several layers of cheesecloth positioned over a large bowl. The most effective straining method is to press gently with the back of a wooden spoon, allowing the liquid to flow while capturing seeds and pulp.
For optimal sieve size, choose one that’s at least 6 inches in diameter to handle the batch efficiently. You’ll know you’re doing it right when the liquid runs clear and bright pink, while the remaining pulp becomes relatively dry. Don’t rush this step – thorough straining guarantees your cordial will be smooth and seed-free.
If you’re using cheesecloth, give it a gentle squeeze at the end to extract every last drop of that precious raspberry essence.
Step 4. Add Sugar and Acidifiers
While your strained raspberry liquid remains warm, return it to a clean saucepan and add 2 cups of granulated sugar along with the lemon juice and citric acid. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, which should take about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture becoming clearer and taking on a beautiful ruby color.
The addition of these acidifiers isn’t just for taste – they’re essential for extending the cordial’s shelf life. The citric acid and lemon juice work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness while acting as natural preservatives. Once you’ve achieved a clear, syrupy consistency, remove from heat and let it cool.
Under proper storage conditions in sterilized bottles, your cordial will maintain its vibrant flavor for up to three months in the refrigerator.
Step 5. Let Cool and Bottle
The properly cooled raspberry cordial requires two distinct stages: a natural cooling period of 30-45 minutes at room temperature, followed by a final cooling in an ice bath to reach 40°F (4°C).
Once it’s completely cooled, you’ll want to transfer the cordial into sterilized glass bottles, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal your bottles tightly with clean caps or cork stoppers. Storage requirements include keeping the cordial in a dark, cool place or refrigerator at 35-40°F (2-4°C). Under these conditions, you’ll enjoy a shelf life of up to 6 months. For the best flavor preservation, store your bottles upright and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. You’ll notice the cordial maintains its vibrant color and fresh raspberry taste when properly stored.
Top Tips
Making perfect raspberry cordial requires careful attention to a few critical details. You’ll want to use only the ripest berries for maximum flavor and strain your mixture twice to achieve crystal-clear results. Don’t skip the citric acid – it’s essential for both preservation and bright flavor notes.
For flavor variations, try adding a split vanilla bean during simmering or experiment with mixed berries. To extend your cordial’s shelf life, guarantee your bottles are properly sterilized and store them in the refrigerator. You’ll know your cordial is properly preserved when it maintains its vibrant color without any cloudiness developing.
Remember to taste-test your dilution ratio – while 1:4 is standard, you might prefer it stronger or weaker. The perfect balance should deliver a bright, fruity flavor without being overly sweet.
Nutritional Guide
Nutritional Information (per 100ml undiluted cordial)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 168 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Total Fat | 0.1g |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
When diluted with water at the recommended 1:4 ratio, the caloric content reduces to approximately 34 calories per 100ml serving. The cordial provides a good source of natural vitamin C from the raspberries, while the added citric acid helps preserve the beverage and enhance its tart flavor profile.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used, ripeness of fruit, and preparation methods. These figures are estimates and should be used as a general guide only.
Final Thoughts
Beyond its nutritional benefits, raspberry cordial rewards home cooks with an elegant, versatile beverage that enlivens any occasion. You’ll find that this Victorian-inspired drink offers remarkable shelf life when properly stored in sterilized bottles and kept refrigerated, lasting up to six months without compromising its vibrant flavor.
For serving suggestions, you can elevate your gatherings by offering the cordial in crystal decanters paired with sparkling mineral water and fresh raspberry garnishes. Don’t limit yourself to beverages alone – try drizzling the cordial over vanilla ice cream, incorporating it into homemade sorbet, or using it as a natural flavoring for buttercream frosting. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or seeking a rejuvenating afternoon drink, you’ll appreciate how this traditional recipe brings people together while celebrating the pure essence of summer raspberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Citric Acid With Another Ingredient?
You can use lemon juice as an alternative acidulant, but you’ll need 4 tablespoons instead of 1 teaspoon citric acid. Be aware this may affect your cordial’s shelf life and create a more pronounced citrus flavor.
How Long Will Homemade Raspberry Cordial Last if Stored Properly?
With proper refrigeration, your homemade cordial will last up to several months. You’ll get the best storage duration by keeping it in sterilized bottles and storing them in your fridge at 40°F (4°C).
Why Does My Cordial Sometimes Develop a Cloudy Appearance?
While it’s perfectly safe, cloudiness occurs due to temperature fluctuations triggering natural sediment formation. You can prevent this by storing your cordial at a consistent temperature and straining it thoroughly before bottling.
Can I Use This Recipe With Other Types of Berries?
You can definitely substitute other berries like blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries using the same recipe ratios. Just remember that different berries might need slight sugar adjustments based on their natural sweetness levels.
Is It Safe to Can Raspberry Cordial for Longer Storage?
Yes, you can safely preserve your cordial through proper processing techniques. Use sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids, process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes, and store in a cool, dark place.
