The Top Sugar-Free Cordials: Best Choices for a Guilt-Free Drink

If you're looking to add a fruity twist to your beverages without the worry of sugar concentration, you're in the right place. From the tangy sour cherry to the rich blueberry and blackberry, we've got you covered. Whether you're managing type diabetes or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, our guide will help you navigate the world of sugar-free cordials.

Let's dive in!

Understanding the Basics: What are Sugar-Free Cordials?

Sugar-free cordials, as the name suggests, are a type of concentrated syrup that is made without the addition of sugar. They are typically made with fruit juice, water, and a sugar substitute, such as a low-calorie sweetener. The concentration of the solution is determined by the amount of fruit juice and sweetener used, which can be adjusted to taste.

The process of making sugar-free cordials involves boiling the fruit juice with the sweetener until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency. This is then diluted with water to create the cordial. The beauty of sugar-free cordials is that they can be made with any fruit juice, from sour cherry to fruity red grape, and even a combination of blueberry and blackberry.

The key to a good sugar-free cordial is the balance between the fruit and the sweetener. Too much sweetener can overpower the fruit, while too little can leave the cordial tasting bland. It's all about finding that perfect balance that suits your taste buds.

Sugar-free cordials are a great alternative for those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake, such as people with type diabetes. They allow you to enjoy the refreshing taste of a cordial without worrying about the impact on your blood sugar levels.

In addition, sugar-free cordials are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They can be served as a refreshing drink on their own, added to cocktails for a fruity twist, or even used in cooking to add a burst of flavour. Our favourite way to enjoy a cordial? Mixed with homemade sparkling water, of course. 

How to Make Your Own Sugar-Free Cordial at Home

Making your own sugar-free cordial at home is a fun and rewarding process. Here's a simple guide to get you started:

• Choose Your Fruit: The first step is to decide on the fruit you want to use. You could go for a classic like lemon or orange, or experiment with something more exotic like sour cherry or fruity red grape.
• Prepare the Fruit: Wash your chosen fruit thoroughly, then chop it into small pieces. If you're using berries, you can leave them whole.
• Add Sweetener: Instead of sugar, use a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. The amount you'll need will depend on the sweetness of your fruit and your personal taste.
• Simmer: Place the fruit and sweetener in a saucepan, add some water, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the fruit is soft and the flavours have infused the water.
• Strain: Once your mixture has cooled, strain it to remove the fruit pieces. What you're left with is a concentrated fruit syrup.
• Dilute: To serve, dilute your homemade cordial with sparkling or still water. The concentration of the solution will depend on your preference.

Remember, the beauty of making your own cordial is that you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger flavour, use more fruit. If you like it sweeter, add more sweetener. The possibilities are endless!

Try our sugar-free ginger cordial as a start. 

Exploring Popular Sugar-Free Cordial Flavours

Clementine, Orange & Bergamot Cordial: A lively blend of oranges and clementines with a twist of bergamot. This cordial is inspired by the orangeries from grand old English houses, offering a sweet citrus scent balanced with bright, energetic flavours.

Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Cordial: This cordial is a delightful zesty blend of lemons with refreshing cucumber and English garden mint. It's like sunshine in a glass, keeping you refreshed and revitalised.

Raspberry & Lavender Cordial: Scrumptious Scottish raspberries are combined with notes of fragrant lavender for a sophisticated cordial beverage. It's a lively infusion, bursting with the taste of summer.

Rhubarb & Rose Cordial: This cordial is a sophisticated blend of rhubarb with exotic rose notes. It epitomises the Great British Garden, offering a gorgeous deep pink colour and a wonderful blend of sharp rhubarb with a wildcard finish of rose. (You can use our rhubarb cordial recipe as a base).

Dandelion & Burdock Cordial: A fabulous blend of Burdock Root and Dandelion infusions with added botanical notes create the unmistakeable taste of this traditional, mellow classic beverage.

Sour Cherry, Red Grape & Hibiscus Cordial: This cordial is a deliciously sweet, luxurious combination of sumptuously sour cherries, tropical hibiscus and fruity red grapes. It's a deep, complex and indulgent infusion.

Gooseberry & Elderflower Cordial: A truly classic British flavour, this cordial is perfect for any occasion. It's flavour loaded with gooseberries spiced up with the welcome edition of elderflower.

Cranberry & Pomegranate Cordial: This cordial is a blend of cranberries, pomegranate and rosehip swirled together, providing an opulent yet refreshing taste.

English Elderflower & Bramley Apple Cordial: This cordial is reminiscent of a summers day with its sweet familiar taste of crunchy apple perfectly balanced with the fragrant taste of elderflower. It's sure to add a touch of elegance to any occasion. (You can try our recipe for elderflower cordial here). 

If you don’t feel like whipping up a cordial on your own, you can look at a few alternatives on the market. 

Robinson's Grapefruit cordial or Robinson's Lemon Cordial are great - even for diabetics.Robinsons No Added Sugar Fruit and Barley in both Peach and Apple and Pear flavours are also highly recommended.

Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle with Sugar-Free Cordials

Embracing a healthier lifestyle with sugar-free cordials is not only possible but also enjoyable. With a variety of flavours from sour cherry to fruity red grape, there's something to suit every palate. The beauty of cordials is that you can adjust the sugar concentration to your liking, making it an ideal choice for those managing type diabetes or simply wanting to reduce their sugar intake.