Description
This homemade herbal cordial is a fragrant, flavorful syrup made with fresh herbs, honey, and citrus. Perfect for mixing into cocktails, mocktails, teas, or sparkling water, this botanical infusion is easy to prepare and naturally preserved. Whether you prefer refreshing mint, calming chamomile, or floral lavender, this recipe is fully customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 ml water
- 1 cup fresh herbs (or ½ cup dried) – mint, chamomile, rosemary, thyme, or lavender
- 250 g honey or sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon (or orange)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for preservation)
- 60 ml vodka or brandy (optional, extends shelf life)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse fresh herbs under running water.
- Measure dried herbs accurately if using.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and set aside.
-
Infuse the Herbs
- Heat the water in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
- Add the herbs and stir gently.
- Let the mixture steep for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
-
Sweeten and Strain
- Stir in honey or sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar (if using).
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
-
Bottle and Store
- If using alcohol, stir it in before bottling.
- Pour the cordial into a sterilized glass bottle using a funnel.
- Let it cool completely before sealing.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (or up to three months with alcohol).
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Mix 2 tbsp of cordial with sparkling water, tea, or cocktails.
- Drizzle over pancakes, yogurt, or fruit salads for a sweet herbal twist.
Notes
- Herb Combinations: Try mint-lavender for a floral note or rosemary-thyme for an earthy taste.
- Sweetener Substitutions: Use maple syrup, agave, or monk fruit for a refined sugar-free version.
- Storage Tip: Freeze cordial in ice cube trays for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Syrup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Herbal, Wellness
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: herbal cordial recipe, botanical syrup, homemade herbal infusion, DIY cordial, infused syrup