Lemon and Lime Cordial

I have no idea why I’ve always bought cordials, they’re so easy to make and homemade can only much more natural and therefore healthy than anything store bought. Citrus is one of Big S’s favourite flavours and since we’ve had colds hanging around for weeks I thought a big dose of vitamin C would do us some good. So my first foray into the homemade mixer world is lemon and lime.

This syrup/cordial is zingy and sweet, ideal as the base of a watery drink, or drizzled over cakes or slightly sharp fruit, or perhaps a great base for a cocktail. Inspired by a recipe from this month’s Jamie magazine, a bottle of this cordial will become a regular ingredient in our fridge, especially since Big S said it’s the nicest cordial she’s ever tasted 🙂

Lemon and Lime Cordial (dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soya-free, sesame-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan)

makes 500ml (multiply as necessary)

• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 4 limes, juice and zest
• 300ml caster sugar
• 300ml water

– Zest the fruit with a vegetable peeler and place in a saucepan with the juice of the lemons and limes.

– Add the water and caster sugar.

– Heat and stir until all the sugar has dissolved, then simmer for five minutes until slightly syrupy.

– Pour into a sterilised bottle and keep in the fridge.