Homemade blackcurrant cordial recipe

Name: Homemade blackcurrant cordial recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 kg blackcurrants; granulated sugar; 1 tsp. citric acid

A refreshing homemade blackcurrant cordial recipe is the perfect drink for a group to enjoy

By Alison WalkerUpdated: 19 January 2021

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Blackcurrant cordial is an easy-to-make, refreshing summer drink. Source blackcurrants from local pick-your-own farms or farm shops to get the best price for them. They'll be considerably cheaper per kilo than in tiny boxes sold in supermarkets.

When is the best time to make blackcurrant cordial in the UK?

The UK's blackcurrant season is very short, starting in July and ending in August. Every year in Britain, 14 billion blackcurrant berries are harvested. There are 10 varieties of blackcurrant and they are all named after Scottish mountains. They are a very good source of vitamin C, with one blackcurrant holding more than an entire orange.

Can you make blackcurrant cordial alcoholic?

Absolutely! Follow the three ingredient cordial recipe below then top it up with prosecco for a sparkling aperitif.

Where can you buy citric acid for blackcurrant cordial?

Citric acid is available from specialist websites and in supermarkets and wholefood shops. You must make sure it is food grade. Citric acid prolongs the life of this blackcurrant cordial for up to a year. Otherwise it will keep for up to two weeks stored in the fridge. BUY NOW

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Yields:

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Ingredients

1 kg blackcurrants
granulated sugar
1 tsp. citric acid

Directions

1. Step 1 Put the blackcurrants into a large pan with 300ml water set over a low heat and gently cook for 10 minutes, squashing with the back of a wooden spoon to release the juices.
2. Step 2Pour into a muslin-lined sieve set over a bowl and press to release the juices. If you want a clearer cordial, don’t mash the fruit while cooking and pour through a jelly bag instead of muslin, but ultimately you will get less cordial.
3. Step 3Measure the juice and allow 300g sugar per 500ml. Put the juice and sugar in a large pan and dissolve over a low heat – do not boil. Remove at once and stir in the citric acid.
4. Step 4Pour the blackcurrant cordial into swing-stoppered sterilised bottles and seal. Dilute to taste with sparkling or still water.