Simple Lemon Cordial Recipe

Lemon cordial is a lovely refreshing summer-time soft drink. It is simple to prepare and requires no artificial preservatives so long as you sterilise the finished cordial in its bottles. You can use up lemons when they are plentiful and provide yourself and family with a healthy drink all year around. Here's how to make simple lemon cordial.

Ingredients

Lemons

Sugar

Method

Juice as many lemons as you can (or dare)

Put the juice into a measuring jug to determine how much sugar to use

For every litre of juice you will need 1.2 kilos of sugar

Put the juice and sugar into a large pan and heat very gently

Stirring continually heat till the sugar is completely dissolved

The cordial is now ready to use - simply add water and ice. Add as much or little water as you like. If you would like to preserve the cordial for future use you can by following the steps below:

Canning the Cordial

Select bottles or jars with screw top lids. Bottles look prettier but small jars may be easier to get hold of

Wash the bottles (or jars) and immerse in boiling water for 15 minutes

Drain the bottles and fill with warm cordial (leave 1/2" space at the top for expansion)

Screw the caps on tightly then undo by half a turn to allow for expansion

Place a clean cloth in a large pan and place the bottles in the pan (packing with cloths to keep the bottles from knocking each other if necessary)

Fill the pan with warm water that comes up at least 3/4 of the way up the bottles

Slowly heat the pan till the water is boiling

Boil for 30 minutes

Remove the bottles and screw up the caps tightly

Store somewhere cool, dry and dark for year round lemon cordial (once opened store in the refrigerator)

It is very simple and is a great way to use up surplus citrus fruits. If you would like to learn more about canning and preserving basics come visit Casa DirtyBoots. Here you can also find lots of recipes for pickles and preserves.

For hints and tips on all aspects of increasing self sufficiency visit A Self Sufficient Life.

Costway US $1118.00 72 Inch Small Fabric Loveseat Sofa Couch with Wood Legs Costway US $314.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa Upholstered Dutch Velvet Sofa Couch-Green Costway US $311.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa Couch with Side Storage Pocket-Light Gray Costway US $236.00 Outdoor Loveseat Chair Set with Coffee Table and Seat Back Cushions-Navy Costway US $458.00 4 Pieces Patio Rattan Furniture Set with Glass Table and Loveseat-Gray Costway US $361.00 4 Pieces Rattan Patio Rocking Furniture Set with Loveseat and Coffee Table Costway US $323.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa with 2 Bolsters and Side Storage Pocket-Light Gray Costway US $1438.00 Modern Loveseat with Comfy Backrest Cushions-White Costway US $431.00 4 Pieces Patio Rattan Conversation Set with Loveseat Sofas and Coffee Table Costway US $143.00 Steel Frame Outdoor Loveseat Patio Canopy Swing with Cushion-Blue