3 Sept 2010

Pink ginger cordial


Pink ginger cordial is the perfect drink for both summer and winter.  On a hot Indian summer day it makes a refreshing beverage when served over ice.  On wintry days it can be made with boiling water to create a fiery brew for warming you through to your bones.  This is a favourite in our little flat and it is incredibly easy to make - enjoy!




Makes approximately 500 millilitres of cordial


Ingredients
  • 175 grams fresh root ginger - washed and dried
  • 250 grams granulated white sugar
  • 3 blackberries
  • 1 teaspoon citric acid
  • 500 millilitres boiling water
  • 3 unwaxed lemons - washed
Method

  1. Grate the root ginger into a large mixing bowl.  There is no need to peel the ginger.
  2. Add the sugar, blackberries, citric acid and boiling water to the mixing bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.  
  3. Crush the blackberries slightly to release their juices.
  4. Juice the lemons and add the juice and remaining lemon halves into the mixing bowl.  Mix well.
  5. Cover with clingfilm and leave the mixture to steep overnight.
  6. The next day, wash and rinse the glass bottle(s) you plan to use for storing the cordial.  Place the bottle(s) in your oven and then set the temperature to 160 degrees Centigrade.  Heat the bottle(s) for 30 minutes and then carefully remove the bottles and allow them to cool.
  7. In the meantime discard the lemon halves from the cordial mixture and then using a nylon sieve, strain the remaining mixture into another bowl. 
  8. Now use a funnel to pour the cordial into your sterilized bottles.
  9. Store the cordial in the fridge and use within 2 months. 
  10. Dilute to taste and serve either as a hot drink or cold over ice.

11 comments:

  1. Hey Reena, I just saw this on V.F.-it looks and sounds wonderful! I bet it's extra wonderful for digestion after a big meal...

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  2. Hi Stella. That's a really good point - I tend to drink fresh mint tea but this would definitely do the trick too. Isn't V.F. great? Thanks for the comment. Reena

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  3. I love your glasses and pitcher where did you get them from?

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  4. What a pretty beverage to relax with on a holiday weekend. Mmm, I think I might just have to make a big pitcher -- all for myself. ;)

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  5. Hi Carolyn - hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend as well as the pink ginger! Reena

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  6. Anon - The glasses and pitcher were wedding presents but are made by a designer called Nick Munro. I hope you manage to find some! Reena

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  7. That looks so pretty, I could have done with a jug of it in my garden today. If only I could find a hedge full of blackberries!

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  8. Hi Sarah - there are still loads of blackberries on Wimbledon Common! Come by and we can catch up for coffee. Reena

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  9. Thanks Joanna - great idea and thanks for the invite. I've submitted a few recipes! Take care. Reena

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  10. Ginger is especially good for us gals with menopause symptoms may even help PMS. I combine it with a dash of cayenne pepper in my tea and believe it or not, it settles my hot flashes. It is also great for digestive issues in my opinion.
    The cayenne pepper helps with blood circulation and once I got used to it, I kept adding more and more and look forward to it every day.
    I can't wait to make this cordial! Thanks for posting it.

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  11. Hi I_Fortuna. Thanks for the tip! I love ginger tea too especially when I've eaten too much and need aid digesting. The cayenne pepper addition sounds great. I'll give it a go. All the best. Reena

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