If you think all blackcurrant cordials are the same then you are in for a treat. Homemade blackcurrant cordial is less sweet, fresh tasting, much fruitier and absolutely delicious. It is also really easy to make.
Homemade Blackcurrant Cordial
I was picking the first of my blackcurrants on my allotment when a fellow allotmenteer came up and asked me what I was going to make with them. I told him that I hoped to have enough to make some blackcurrant jam as it's my favourite jam.
As we continued to talk he recommended I tried making my own blackcurrant cordial. I explained that I had thought about it but assumed it wasn't really worth it as blackcurrant cordial is blackcurrant cordial isn't it? Apparently not! He assured me it was altogether different and much better!
So when it turned out I had enough blackcurrants to make jam with some to spare I decided I would give it a go. I am so glad I did, as he was right! It is delicious and well worth the effort of making. The resulting drink was so much more refreshing than any blackcurrant cordial I had tasted in the past.
If you have some spare blackcurrants and haven't made your own cordial before then I urge you to try it. It is very easy. The concentrated cordial will not last as long as commercially made cordial, about 1 month in the refrigerator.
In my house it was so popular it was all gone in just over a week so that wasn't a problem. Having made it once, I will definitely make it again, although it will have to remain a seasonal treat as fresh blackcurrants are only available for a limited time each year, but it will be one to look forward to.
Other Blackcurrant recipes you may like to try
- Blackcurrant vanilla cream tart – Only Crumbs Remain
- Blackcurrant Fool – Tin and Thyme
- Blackcurrant Shortbread Bars – Her Cup of Joy
Homemade Black Currant Cordial Step by Step
Homemade Blackcurrant Cordial
Ingredients
- 500 g blackcurrants
- 250 g golden caster sugar
- 300 ml water
- 2 lemons, juice only
Instructions
- Wash the blackcurrants and remove from the stems and place them in a large saucepan. Add the sugar and water, then heat gently stirring until sugar has dissolved.
- Continue to cook gently for a few minutes until the blackcurrants are very soft and have begun to burst about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or coarse sieve lined with muslin. Allow to stand until all the juice has dripped through.
- Pour into sterilised bottles. Seal and allow to cool then chill until required
Notes
Nutrition
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I have linked this recipe to #CookBlogShare hosted this week here by yours truly
Evie
Easy to do and nice, but very tart and needed more sugar - despite the fact that I used the full amount and typically use for half to 2/3rds of most recipes’ sugar content. Easily fixed with a little maple syrup! Appreciate the dilution advice in one of the replies, thank you
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Hi Evie Im gald you liked the cordial. Sweetness is ultimately a matter of personal preference. The variety of blackcurrants used may well effect the overall level of sweetness. Better to be a little tart as you can do as you say and sweetnen, than to have a syrup that is too sweet to start with.
Steve
Made this today absolutely delicious. Will definitely make again cheers
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
You are welcome. Enjoy.
Cyndy Wright
Hi Jacqueline,
I have a large crop of blackcurrants and was wondering how I can make lots of juice that will last in bottles etc for many months ?
All recipes I’ve seen say it only lasts for about 6 weeks .
I am in the process of following your recipe. Looking forward to the tasting!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
When I have a large crop I freeze the cordial to extend the keeping times. It will successfully freeze for at least 6 months Ive not kept it longer
Jacky
Maybe extend the season by freezing the berries and making another batch in the winter. It’s good hot!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Great idea. Blackcurrants freeze well
ALISON B PACK
Hi Jacqueline,
Your encouragement inspired me to try blackcurrant cordial. Very delightful. As you said, it is normally diluted. How much water would you suggest for dilution?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Hi Alison, Just dilute to taste. I would say approx 1 part cordial to 3-4 parts water is a good starting point. Jacqui
Susan
Hi Jacqueline,
I have been gifted some blackcurrants and thought I would try your homemade cordial recipe. Would it be possible to use honey as a sweetener rather than sugar and if so how much honey would be the equivalent for the amount of caster sugar you suggest?
Many thanks,
Susan
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Hi Susan
I don't see why you could not use honey instead but I'm not sure how it would affect the keeping qualities but if you plan to drink it within a few days anyway then not a problem. If you want to keep it longer you could pop it in the freezer which is what I do if I make a lot.
As for how much I really couldn't say without trying. I would add honey to sweeten to taste. Remember that you would want to make the cordial itself sweeter than you might expect as you will be diluting it with water.
If you give it a go I would love to know how you get on. Do let me know.
Good Luck Jacqui
Corrie Ward
I too want to know if honey can be substituted for sugar?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Yes and no. Although i have not tried it myself I am sure you could try replace some of the sugar with honey. However, it will affect the keeping quality of the cordial and I would not keep it longer than a few days to be on the safe side. Alternatively, pop it in the freezer if you want it to last longer. I think if you replaced all the sugar with honey it would change the flavour too much.
Andrew
Hi Jacqui thanks for the recipes. I have just made up the raspberry cordial and it tastes great. I also tried the blackcurrant cordial recipe with half blackcurrant and half blueberry all from the garden. It's cooling now so hopefully that will taste good. Thanks Andrew
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Andrew thank you for comment, glad you like the raspberry cordial and I love the sound of your blackcurrant and blueberry cordial I shall have to try that I have a bumper crop of blackcurrants this year.
Monika Dabrowski
Looks gorgeous Jacqui! I have no doubt it's a hundred times tastier than shop bought cordial. I always so envious whenever you make something using your own fruit or veg. Maybe one day...
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
I was on the waiting list for 7 years before I got my allotment plot.So glad I did as it is really rewarding and yes this really tastes of fresh blackcurrants!Shop bought tastes fine but nothing like fresh blackcurrants.