Blackcurrant Cordial
Blackcurrant Cordial is a concentrated syrup with a delicious blackcurrant flavour that’s even better than commercially available blackcurrant drinks. It’s easy to make and even easier to drink diluted with whatever takes your fancy.
WHY MAKE BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL?
Making blackcurrant cordial allows you to enjoy a homemade soft drink that is far superior in flavour to store-bought options. It lets you control the ingredients, making a natural drink free from preservatives and ultra-processed elements.
Making your own cordial can also be a satisfying and creative process, allowing you to experiment with fruit combinations and tailor the sweetness to your preference.
Give it as a gift
Blackcurrant cordial also makes a great gift, either on it’s own with a pretty label or as part of a hamper. Check out this post for more ideas about Homemade Edible Gifts to include in a personalised hamper.
WHAT IS A CORDIAL?
It wasn’t until I started to research this that I realised that a cordial is defined differently in the UK to the USA. This cordial is a concentrated sweet fruit-flavoured drink that should be diluted with water before drinking. However, in the USA a cordial is an alcoholic liqueur. If you’d like to make an alcoholic version then check out my Blackcurrant Gin recipe.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORDIAL AND SQUASH?
The difference between cordial and squash is all about how concentrated they are. Cordial is usually a thicker, sweeter syrup packed with fruit flavour, while squash (or “diluting juice”) is a bit lighter and less intense. Both taste great and need to be mixed with water before you drink them—perfect for customizing to your liking!
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL?
You only need four ingredients to make this cordial and one of these is water! Here is what you need:
- Blackcurrants
- Sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.
WHAT ARE BLACKCURRANTS?
Blackcurrants are these tiny, deep purple berries that pack a punch of rich, tangy flavour. They’re super versatile and can be used to make jams, jellies and desserts as well as cordials. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a smart and tasty choice for anyone looking to add a healthy twist to their recipes.
When it comes to blackcurrant cordial, these little berries shine—they’re combined with sugar, water, and lemon juice to create a delicious concentrate that you can mix with water for a refreshing drink.
WHERE CAN I BUY BLACKCURRANTS?
Blackcurrants are not as easily available as many other summer soft fruits. Most of the commercial blackcurrant crop in the UK goes into making blackcurrant cordial or other blackcurrant products. Some supermarkets do stock blackcurrants during the summer. Also, look out for blackcurrants at Farmer’s Markets or ask an independent Greengrocer to source some for you.
CAN I GROW MY OWN BLACKCURRANTS?
Blackcurrants are easy to grow in the UK and particularly in Scotland. If you’d like to find out more then check out How to Grow Blackcurrants.
ARE BLACKCURRANTS BANNED IN THE USA?
There isn’t a single answer to this question. However, in 1911 all varieties of Ribes including blackcurrants and gooseberries were made illegal to grow in the US because they were carriers of white pine blister rust an infection that could damage white pine trees.
Because of the federal ban currants and gooseberries weren’t grown at all in the US until the ban was lifted in 1966. So now the regulations vary from state to state.
WHAT KIND OF SUGAR SHOULD I USE TO MAKE CORDIAL?
I use white granulated sugar to make the cordial. It is readily available and unlike brown sugar it has no flavour of its own to detract from the fruit flavours.
HOW DO I STERILISE THE BOTTLES?
Find out why you should sterilise your bottles and about the different methods you can use to sterilise bottles and jars in this article.
HOW SHOULD I STORE BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL?
Store Blackcurrant Cordial in sterilised bottles in the refrigerator for up to one month. There are only two of us and the cordial lasted about a week! It’s just so delicious that it’s never going to last for a month.
CAN I FREEZE CORDIAL?
Absolutely! You can definitely freeze your cordial to make it last longer. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers and pop them in the freezer—it’ll stay good for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge for the best results.
A little tip: choose container sizes that match how much you’ll use at once, since the cordial won’t last quite as long after it’s been defrosted. Once thawed, you’ll have about a week to use it up.
CAN I MAKE A LARGER QUANTITY OF CORDIAL?
If you have a large enough pan then you can double the recipe, but I wouldn’t recommend making any more than that as it will become unwieldy. Making double quantities is helpful if you plan to freeze some of the cordial.
IS BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL VEGETARIAN?
Yes, blackcurrant cordial is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe does not include any animal-derived ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those following plant-based diets.
IS THE CORDIAL GLUTEN FREE?
Yes, the blackcurrant cordial is gluten-free. There are no wheat products in this recipe, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet. However, it is always recommended to check every ingredient to ensure it meets your specific dietary requirements.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
HOW SHOULD I SERVE BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL?
Blackcurrant cordial is a versatile and delightful drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The simplest method is to mix it with cold water for a refreshing drink. Adjust the dilution to your taste, typically one part cordial to four or five parts water.
Add some Fizz!
For a fizzy twist, mix blackcurrant cordial with sparkling water or soda water. This creates a light, bubbly drink that’s perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Warm and Comforting
On colder days, blackcurrant cordial can be served warm. Mix the cordial with hot water to create a soothing drink that’s both fragrant and comforting.
Cocktail Creativity
Blackcurrant cordial also makes an excellent base for cocktails. Pair it with spirits like vodka, gin, or rum, and add ingredients such as citrus juice or fresh herbs to craft your own signature drink. Don’t forget to garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, or even fresh blackcurrants for a touch of elegance.
Use Blackcurrant Cordial in desserts and for cooking
Blackcurrant cordial isn’t just for drinking. You can drizzle it over desserts like ice cream, panna cotta, or sponge cake for a burst of fruity sweetness. It also works well as a component in marinades or glazes for meats or as a mixer in smoothies.
Serving Tips
– Use chilled glasses for cold drinks to enhance the refreshing experience.
– Add ice cubes or even blackcurrant-infused ice cubes for a decorative and cooling touch.
– Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique flavour profile.
With these serving suggestions, blackcurrant cordial can be a brilliant addition to any occasion, whether as a simple refreshing drink or a creative ingredient.
BLACKCURRANT CORDIAL
Equipment
- large pan
- weighing scales
- measuring jug
- jelly bag or muslin
- colander or sieve
- large jug or bowl
- funnel optional
- Glass bottles with lids 2-3
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2¼ lb) blackcurrants
- 700 g (3½ cups) granulated sugar
- 700 ml (3 cups) water
- 140 ml (½ cups) lemon juice
Instructions
- Clean 1 kg (2¼ lb) blackcurrants, removing stems and any leaves.
- Put the blackcurrants, 700 g (3½ cups) granulated sugar and 700 ml (3 cups) water in a large saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has melted.
- Bring to a simmer then add 140 ml (½ cup) lemon juice.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes until the blackcurrants have burst and started to soften. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool for about 5 minutes.
- Put a piece of muslin or a jelly bag over a colander or sieve and place this over a large jug or bowl.
- Ladle the blackcurrant mixture into the lined colander and leave until all the juice has run through.
- Using a funnel, or a jug, pour the Blackcurrant Cordial into the sterilised bottles. Seal the bottles and leave to cool, then store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- Serve diluted 1 part cordial to 4 parts water, use in cocktails, mocktails or drizzle over ice cream.
I’ve an abundance of blackcurrants in the garden and was looking to use some of them up. Your cordial recipe is perfect and tastes superior to anything you can buy in the shops.
It’s ideal for a glut of blackcurrants. Enjoy!
Sadly once again I had to go to the shop rather than my garden to make one of your recipes but it was worth the trip! I like how strong flavoured this was, whenever I’ve tried to make cordial in the past it’s been a bit wishy washy.
We’ve had such an amazing crop of blackcurrants and I’m making this every week at the moment. It’s gone down so well with my husband and grandchildren.