How to Make Lemon Cordial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lemon cordial, a delightful concoction of freshly squeezed lemons, sparkling water, and sugar, is a throwback to sunny BBQs, summer picnics, and those cherished childhood memories. It's a refreshing summer treat that's perfect for a hot day. 

The best part? You can make it yourself, guaranteeing no preservatives or artificial flavours, just a wonderfully fresh-tasting drink. You can even mix it with homemade soda water to maximise the health benefits! 

So, whether you're looking to enjoy your cordial with water, soda water, or even as a mixer for your gin or vodka, we've got you covered.

What is Lemon Cordial?

Lemon Cordial, a name that instantly brings a refreshing image to mind. It's a delightful concoction made from freshly squeezed lemons, water, and sugar. This zesty mix is perfect for those hot summer days, reminding us of joyous picnics and sunny barbecues.

In essence, it's a concentrated form of lemonade. When mixed with water, it transforms into a drink that's akin to the lemonade we all know and love. The beauty of lemon cordial lies in its versatility. You can adjust the concentration to suit your taste, making it a truly personalised beverage.

This homemade lemon cordial recipe is free from preservatives and artificial flavours, ensuring a fresh and natural taste. It's a simple yet delightful drink that's sure to bring a burst of freshness to your day.

The Origin of Cordial

The story of cordial is a fascinating one, steeped in history and innovation. It all began in 1753 with a Scottish doctor named James Lind. He was investigating the causes of scurvy for the British Royal Navy and found that lemons seemed to help. This discovery led to the navy issuing a daily ration of limes, as they were cheaper than lemons, to prevent scurvy.

However, there was a problem. The lime juice wouldn't stay fresh, which was a significant issue. Enter Luchlin Rose, another Scottish innovator, who found a way to preserve lime juice. In 1867, he created Rose's Lime Juice, the world's first Lime Cordial.

This cordial lemon drink we enjoy today owes its existence to these two Scottish entrepreneurs. Their ingenuity and determination have given us a refreshing summer beverage that continues to be enjoyed worldwide. So, next time you sip on your homemade lemon cordial, remember the fascinating journey it has taken to reach your glass.

Why Choose Homemade Lemon Cordial?

Choosing to make lemon cordial homemade is a decision that brings with it a host of benefits. It's not just about the refreshing summer drink you end up with, but also the process itself: 

• Old School Charm: Making lemon cordial at home brings back a sense of nostalgia. It's a delightful throwback to simpler times.
• Refreshing Summer Drink: Homemade lemon cordial is the perfect refresher for hot summer days. It's zesty, sweet, and incredibly thirst-quenching.
• Easy to Make: You don't need to be a culinary expert to make lemon cordial. With just lemons, sugar, and water, you can whip up this delightful drink in no time.
• Healthier Choice: Compared to store-bought cordials, homemade lemon cordial is free from preservatives and artificial flavours. It's a healthier choice for those who prefer natural ingredients.

But if lemon cordial isn’t for you, try our lime, elderflower or blackcurrant cordial instead. 

How to Make Lemon Cordial without Citric Acid

Here's a simple way to make lemon cordial without citric acid.

• Start by boiling water and sugar in a large pot.
• Zest and juice four lemons, then add them to the pot.

The first step is to zest a lemon. Hold the lemon firmly and pull the zester over the skin. Be careful to only remove the yellow zest, not the white pith underneath. Also, watch your fingers! Zesting a digit can be quite painful.

Once you've zested your lemon, it's time to juice it. A ripe lemon will yield more juice, so make sure your lemon is ripe. It should feel a little softer when gently squeezed and feel a little heavier.

Before you juice, warm the zested lemon in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds. This helps break down the lemon, creating more juice. To further aid this process, firmly roll the lemon on your kitchen worktop with the palm of your hand once warmed.

Next, add your lemons to the water. This process allows the cordial to simmer, dissolving all the sugar. The lemon's natural acidity replaces the need for citric acid, making this cordial recipe simple and natural.

Remember to sterilise your bottles while the cordial simmers. This ensures your cordial stays fresh and safe to drink. Once the cordial is ready, strain it to remove any lemon rind, then pour it into your prepared bottles.

And there you have it, a homemade lemon cordial without citric acid!

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Cordial

• Mix your homemade lemon cordial with water for a refreshing summer drink.
• For a fizzy twist, combine it with tonic or soda water.
• Add a dash of Angostura bitters to your lemon cordial and tonic water for a fruity mocktail.
• Experiment with flavours by adding fresh mint, grated ginger, or lime juice.
• Mellow the citrusy taste with some orange juice and a bit of tonic.
• For a unique twist, add lemon cordial to your tea.

How to Store Lemon Cordial

Storing your homemade lemon cordial properly is crucial to maintain its freshness and flavour. Once you've prepared your cordial, let it cool before transferring it into a sterilised glass jar or bottle. This can be stored either in your pantry or refrigerator.

If unopened, your lemon cordial will last for up to 3-4 months. However, once you've opened the bottle, it's best to keep it in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy your cordial for up to 10 days.

Remember to always use a clean, closed-lidded bottle for storage. This not only keeps your cordial fresh but also prevents any unwanted particles from contaminating it.

So, whether you're sipping it with cold water on a hot summer day or using it as a mixer for your favourite drink, your lemon cordial will always be ready to serve.

Can Lemon Cordial be Frozen?

Absolutely, lemon cordial can be frozen! This is a handy trick to keep in mind, especially if you've made a large batch.

Freezing lemon cordial is as simple as pouring the concentrate into freezer bags on the day it's made. This way, it can last for at least a year.

When you're in the mood for a refreshing drink, just take out a bag, let it thaw, and mix it with cold water. Serve it over ice for a truly invigorating experience.

So, the next time you're wondering what to do with your leftover lemon cordial, remember - the freezer is your friend!

Adding Other Flavours to Lemon Cordial

• Fresh Ginger: Adding a hint of fresh ginger to your homemade lemon cordial can give it a spicy kick. This is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.
• Soda Water: Mixing your lemon cordial with soda water can create a refreshing fizzy drink. This is a great option for hot summer days.
• Gin or Vodka: For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, adding a splash of gin or vodka to your lemon cordial can create a delightful cocktail. This is a fantastic way to enjoy your homemade cordial in a different way.
• Mint: Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing twist to your lemon cordial. This is a great option for those who enjoy a hint of mint in their drinks.

Is Lemon Cordial the Same as Homemade Lemonade?

Lemon cordial and homemade lemonade share similarities, but they're not exactly the same. Lemon cordial is a concentrated syrup made from freshly squeezed lemons, water, and sugar. It's a versatile base that can be diluted with water or tonic to create a refreshing drink, or even used as a mixer in cocktails.

On the other hand, homemade lemonade, particularly in the UK, is typically a ready-to-drink beverage made from similar ingredients. It's less concentrated than lemon cordial and is usually consumed as is, without the need for dilution.

So, while both drinks originate from the same basic ingredients, the difference lies in their concentration and how they're consumed. Whether you prefer the strong, zesty punch of lemon cordial or the lighter, ready-to-drink homemade lemonade, both are delightful ways to enjoy the fresh taste of lemons.

Is Lemon Cordial Good for You?

Lemon cordial, in moderation, can be a delightful addition to your diet. It's rich in vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. However, it's also high in sugar, so it's not recommended as a health drink.

If you're seeking the health benefits of lemon juice, opt for a recipe with less sugar, like our sugar-free ginger cordial. 

Wrapping Up: Your Homemade Lemon Cordial Journey

Making your own lemon cordial is a delightful way to cool down on a hot day, and the process itself is an old school charm that brings a sense of satisfaction.

The versatility of this cordial recipe allows you to experiment with flavours, adding a personal touch to your homemade lemon cordial.

Remember, the key to a great lemon cordial lies in the quality of your lemons. Choose ripe lemons, zest them carefully, and juice them well.

Whether you're diluting your cordial with one part or three parts sparkling water, or even adding a splash of gin or vodka, the result is a refreshing summer drink that's sure to impress.

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