Lemon Cordial

I make some kind of cordial each year and I have been wanting to make lemon for a while now and I tried it last year and it didn't turn out. This year I tweaked it a little and it worked perfectly and I am very excited! In the past I have made cherry, blackberry, loganberry, you name it but never have ventured out of that kind of category of fruits. They are fun in general to make and don't take a lot of work. You have to put it together and then 6 weeks later you have the finished product. I have heard some fun things with making spice flavored liqueurs and I may do that next. They don't steep near as long due to the strength of the spices so it will be more instant gratification but I thought I would post this to show.

They say you should use wax free lemons if you can. It doesn't meld correctly I guess if they are waxed. I was fortunate to get some lemons from a relative who has a tree for this batch. Thank you Valerie!

Lemon Cordial

You can use this formula for any fruit really the safer ones to try are a little sturdier like berries and cherries etc. Once you have it made it is great in Lemonade, on the rocks, in trifles, over ice cream the list goes on and on.

You need a clean lidded jar, it can be quart jars or larger. I find that it works faster and easier if you use large mouth quart jars.

In the bottom of your clean quart jar pour 1 c white sugar in the bottom.

Fill the jar the rest of the way with the fruit of your choice and leave a 1 inch head space.

Top with Vodka just until all of the fruit is submerged. You don't have to use a really expensive vodka, it will be flavored quite strongly with the fruit but I use a middle of the road brand.

Place the lid on tightly and put it somewhere to steep. I put it in my pantry. Turn the jar back and forth once a week until the sugar is completely dissolved. Normally takes 6-8 weeks. Don't shake the jar vigorously as you will combine too much sugar to the alcohol at once.

Once the sugar is dissolved strain out the fruit in a sieve and put it in clean jars or bottles. You can store it at room temp or in the fridge or freezer. It makes great Christmas gifts!