Herbal Cordial Recipe
This homemade herbal cordial is a refreshing, alcohol-free drink infused with the goodness of fresh herbs, perfect for boosting your immune system and satisfying your thirst.
Ingredients
- -1 cup fresh elderberries** or dried elderberries if fresh is unavailable
- 1 cup fresh peppermint leaves** or ½ cup dried peppermint
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers**
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root** grated
- 4 cups water**
- 1 cup honey** or another sweetener like agave, maple syrup, or stevia
- Juice of 1 lemon** for added zest and vitamin C
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar** optional, for a tangy kick
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional**
- A pinch of salt** to balance the flavors
Instructions
- Prepare the herbs: Place 1 cup of fresh elderberries, 1 cup of fresh peppermint leaves, 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers, and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger into a large bowl.
- Boil the water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and pour it over the herbs in the bowl.
- Steep: Let the herbs steep for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain: Strain the mixture to remove the herbs, leaving just the liquid.
- Sweeten: While warm, stir in 1 cup of honey (or your preferred sweetener) until dissolved.
- Add lemon and vinegar: Stir in the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (optional).
- Cool and store: Let the mixture cool, then store it in a glass bottle or jar in the fridge.
- Serve: Dilute with water or soda water, and enjoy!
Notes
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh elderberries, you can use dried elderberries instead. You can also swap out peppermint for spearmint or lemon balm for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetener Options: You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference. If you prefer a sugar-free version, use stevia or monk fruit as a natural sweetener.
- Storage: Store your herbal cordial in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Dilution: The herbal cordial is concentrated, so feel free to dilute it with more water, sparkling water, or soda to your taste.
- Adjust Flavor: If you like your cordial more tangy, add extra lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra ginger.