How to Make Rhubarb Cordial
Welcome to our ultimate guide to homemade Rhubarb Cordial, a refreshing summer delight that's sure to tickle your taste buds. This seasonal recipe, a favourite in many a good food magazine, is a fantastic way to make use of the sharp, tangy rhubarb that's abundant in gardens and markets at this time of year.
Not only is it a thirst-quenching beverage, but it also serves as a versatile ingredient in various cocktails, making it a staple in good food recipes. Let's explore more about this delightful drink.
What is Rhubarb Cordial?
Rhubarb Cordial, also known as Rhubarb Syrup, is a delightful beverage that's perfect for the summer season. It's a sweet and refreshing drink made from rhubarb, a seasonal ingredient that's known for its sharp taste.
The process of making this cordial involves transforming the rhubarb into a syrup by boiling it with sugar and water. The result is a concentrated liquid that can be diluted with still or sparkling water to create a thirst-quenching beverage.
This cordial is not just a refreshing summer drink, it's also a versatile ingredient that can be used in cocktails. So, if you're looking for a good food recipe that's easy to make and offers a unique taste, homemade rhubarb cordial might just be what you need.
Why Make Your Own Rhubarb Cordial?
Making your own rhubarb cordial is a fantastic way to enjoy this seasonal recipe. It's a refreshing summer drink that's easy to make and tastes far better than anything you can buy in a store.
The beauty of homemade rhubarb cordial is that you control the ingredients. Many shop-bought cordials are loaded with artificial sweeteners and unnecessary additives. When you make your own, you know exactly what's going into it.
Plus, it's a great way to use up excess rhubarb. If you have a rhubarb plant in your garden, you'll know that it can produce a lot of fruit. Making cordial is a delicious way to ensure none of it goes to waste.
Homemade rhubarb cordial is versatile. You can enjoy it diluted with still or sparkling water, or use it as a base for cocktails. It's a good food to have in your fridge, ready to impress your guests or to enjoy on a hot day.
(If you love making your own cordial, you can also try your hand at our blackcurrant or blackberry cordial).
Choosing the Best Rhubarb for Your Cordial
Choosing the right rhubarb for your cordial can make a world of difference. You want to go for the sharp, fresh stalks that are firm to the touch. The colour of the rhubarb doesn't matter much, but the redder the stalks, the more vibrant your cordial will be.
Avoid using wilted or soft rhubarb as it can affect the overall taste and quality of your cordial. Remember, the fresher the rhubarb, the better the cordial.
Also, keep in mind that some rhubarb varieties have more liquid in the stalks than others. This can affect the consistency of your cordial. If you're unsure, ask your local greengrocer or farmer's market vendor for advice. They can guide you to the best variety for making cordial.
Lastly, always wash your rhubarb thoroughly before using it. This will remove any dirt or pesticides that might be on the surface.
So, when you're ready to make your homemade rhubarb cordial, remember these tips. They'll help you choose the best rhubarb and ensure your cordial is as delicious as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rhubarb Cordial
Creating a homemade rhubarb cordial can be a fun and rewarding process. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you'll be sipping on your own homemade rhubarb cordial in no time.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To kickstart your homemade rhubarb cordial journey, you'll need to gather and prepare your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 500g of rhubarb, cleaned and cut into chunks. Organic rhubarb is a great choice if you can get your hands on it.
- 250g of caster or granulated sugar. This might seem like a lot, but remember, we're making a cordial that will be diluted.
- 1 lemon, preferably unwaxed and organic. You'll need both the zest and juice for this recipe.
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated. This is optional, but it adds a subtle undertone of flavour.
- 400ml of water. Filtered water is ideal, but tap water will do just fine.
- Sparkling water to mix with your tonic.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare them. Start by washing your rhubarb thoroughly and cutting it into small chunks. If you're using ginger, peel and grate it finely. For the lemon, zest it first, then squeeze out the juice. Now, you're all set to start cooking your homemade rhubarb cordial!
Cooking Process for Rhubarb Cordial
- Start by placing your pan on a medium heat.
- Add your rhubarb, sugar, grated ginger (if using), lemon zest, juice and water into the pan.
- Stir the mixture until it comes to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the rhubarb will turn soft and mushy, and the sugar will dissolve. This process is crucial as it allows the flavours to meld together, creating a sweet and tangy syrup that's the base of your cordial.
Patience is key here. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavourful your cordial will be. So, don't rush this step. Let the heat do its work and transform your ingredients into a delightful homemade rhubarb cordial.
Finishing and Bottling Your Cordial
Here's how to finish and bottle your homemade rhubarb cordial:
- Strain the Cordial: Once the rhubarb mixture has cooled, strain it through a sieve. If you want a clear syrup, let it drip slowly into a bowl for a few hours. This won't affect the flavour.
- Bottle the Cordial: Pour the cordial into sterilised bottles. If you're planning to store it for a while, it's best to sterilise your bottles to prevent bacteria from spoiling your cordial.
- Chill the Cordial: Place the bottles in the fridge to chill. This will help to enhance the flavour of the cordial.
The key to a great homemade rhubarb cordial is in the finishing and bottling process.
How to Store Rhubarb Cordial
Storing your homemade rhubarb cordial is a breeze. Once you've made your cordial, pour it into sterilised bottles. This is a crucial step to ensure your cordial stays fresh and free from bacteria.
Next, pop the bottles in the fridge. The cool temperature helps to preserve the cordial and keep it fresh.
Remember, the cordial is a syrup, so it's concentrated. When you're ready to enjoy it, dilute it with water. A good ratio is 50ml of cordial to 150ml of water.
If you've made a large batch, don't worry. Your rhubarb cordial will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks. In a house with four cordial drinkers, a 700ml bottle lasts about 4-5 days.
So, go ahead and make your homemade rhubarb cordial. It's a seasonal recipe that's worth the effort. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with some ice for a refreshing drink.
Shelf Life and Preservation Tips
Storing your homemade rhubarb cordial properly is key to preserving its fresh and tangy flavour. If you're planning to consume it within a couple of weeks, simply keep it in the fridge. However, if you've made a large batch and want it to last longer, adding citric acid can extend its shelf-life to several months.
Citric acid acts as a preservative and can be easily purchased online or from your local chemist. For this recipe, you'll need about a teaspoon. If you're making more cordial, just increase the amount of citric acid accordingly.
Even a small amount of invisible bacteria can ruin your homemade rhubarb cordial. So, take these preservation tips seriously and enjoy your cordial for longer.
Serving and Using Your Homemade Rhubarb Cordial
Once you've mastered the art of making homemade rhubarb cordial, the possibilities are endless. From refreshing summer drinks to good food magazine-worthy dishes, let's explore the versatility of this tangy delight.
- On the rocks: Pour your homemade rhubarb cordial over a glass of ice for a refreshing summer drink.
- With sparkling water: Mix the cordial with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
- In cocktails: Add a splash of rhubarb cordial to your favourite cocktail for a unique twist.
- With still water: Dilute the cordial with still water for a simple, thirst-quenching beverage.
- As a dessert topping: Drizzle some cordial over your favourite dessert, like a rhubarb fool, for a sweet and tangy finish.
- In a food magazine-worthy mocktail: Mix the cordial with other fruit juices and garnish with fresh herbs for a non-alcoholic drink that's good food magazine-worthy.
Remember, once you’ve made cordial, you can mix it with water from your water carbonator at any time. To keep the drinks flowing all summer long, don’t forget to order your gas canisters on subscription from reputable dealers like CO2 YOU!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In the journey of making homemade rhubarb cordial, you may encounter a few bumps along the road:
- Sugar Addition Timing: Some folks add sugar at the start, others at the end. Both ways work. If you're using high-pectin fruit, adding sugar later can prevent jamming. Rhubarb's low in pectin, so no worries there.
- Rhubarb Consistency: If your rhubarb isn't turning mushy, you might need to simmer it longer. Every rhubarb's different, some have more liquid than others.
- Cordial Clarity: Want a clear syrup? Let it drip slowly through the sieve. It takes time, but doesn't affect the flavour.
- Preservation: If you're storing your cordial for more than a month, consider adding citric acid. It helps preserve the cordial.
- Flavour Boost: For an extra zing, try adding lemon zest juice. It can really elevate the taste.
- Dilution Ratio: Not sure how much water to add? A good rule of thumb is 50ml cordial to 150ml water. Adjust to taste.
Wrapping Up: The Joy of Homemade Rhubarb Cordial
The joy of homemade rhubarb cordial is a refreshing summer delight that's worth the effort. This seasonal recipe, with its perfect blend of sugar, citric acid, and lemon zest juice, offers a unique taste that's hard to find in any store-bought cordial. Moreover, the process of making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more natural drink.
Whether you're serving it at a garden party or simply enjoying a glass on a warm afternoon, this rhubarb cordial is sure to impress.
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