Summer Berry Cordial

*Summer Berry Cordial*
Makes 1 scant litre

This is a delicious drink that will be lovely in the months to come.  A little taste of summer.   You can drink it full strength, or dilute it with some sparkling water and serve over ice, for a refreshing summer drink.

400g of black currants (about a pound)
300g of strawberries (3/4 pound)
150g gooseberries (generous quarter pound)
150g raspberries (generous quarter pound)
the juice of 1 large lemon
350g of granulated sugar (generous 1 3/4 cup)

Pick over all of your fruit and gently wash it.  Place it into a saucepan along with 1/2 litre of cold water (about 2 1/4 cups) and the lemon juice.  Bring slowly to the boil over medium low heat..  Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the fruit is very pulpy.  Remove from the heat.

Place a large fine meshed strainer over a deep bowl.  Carefully pour the fruit and all of the liquid into the strainer.  Cover with a clean cloth and leave to drain overnight.  The next morning remove the strainer and discard any pulp inside.   Pour the juices into a clean pot.  Add the sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until all of the sugar is dissolved.  Pour immediately into warm sterile bottles.  Leave a 1/3 inch gap at the top.  Seal and store in a cool dark place or the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Comments