Raspberry Cordial

What Is Raspberry Cordial?

The word cordial can refer to several different drinks. Some cordials are alcoholic fruit liqueurs, while others are sweet, non-alcoholic fruit drinks or concentrated syrups.

The Raspberry Cordial Anne meant to serve Diana in Anne of Green Gables was non-alcoholic. It was made with raspberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice, making it appropriate for children and family tea parties.

This version is also completely non-alcoholic. It is already mixed with water, so you can pour it directly over ice once it has chilled. You can also add sparkling water if you prefer a lighter, fizzy drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries both work well and give the cordial its bright color and sweet-tart berry flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the berries and helps create a concentrated raspberry syrup.
• Fresh lemons: Two lemons are juiced into the cordial, and the remaining lemon is sliced for serving.
• Water: Boiling water thins the raspberry syrup and turns it into a smooth, pourable drink.
• Fresh raspberries for garnish: These are optional, but they make each glass look especially pretty for parties and showers.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Fresh or frozen raspberries: Use the same weight for either one. Frozen raspberries can go directly into the saucepan, but they may take a few extra minutes to heat and break down.
• Sparkling water: Top individual glasses with a splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving. Do not add it to the pitcher ahead of time, or it will lose its fizz.
• Fresh mint: Add a small sprig of mint to each glass for a fresh flavor and pretty garnish.
• Mixed berries: You can replace a small portion of the raspberries with strawberries or blackberries. Using only raspberries will give you the most traditional flavor.
• Extra lemon: Serve the cordial with lemon wedges so everyone can add more tartness to taste.
• More water: If the drink tastes sweeter than you prefer, stir in a little more cold water or add sparkling water to each glass.

How to Make Raspberry Cordial

1. Combine the berries and sugar. Add the raspberries and granulated sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir gently so the berries are coated in sugar.

2. Cook and mash the raspberries. Cook over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the berries have broken down. Mash any remaining whole berries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.

3. Strain the raspberry mixture. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or heat-safe pitcher. Pour the cooked raspberries through the strainer. Press gently with a spoon to extract more juice, or let the mixture drain without pressing for a clearer cordial.

4. Add the lemon juice. Juice two of the lemons and stir the fresh lemon juice into the strained raspberry syrup.

5. Add the water and chill. While the berries cook, bring the water to a boil. Pour the boiling water into the raspberry syrup and stir well. Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least two hours or until completely cold.

6. Garnish and serve. Slice the remaining lemon. Pour the chilled Raspberry Cordial into glasses with ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries.

Recipe Tips

• Stir the berries frequently. Sugar and fruit can scorch on the bottom of the pan, so keep a close eye on the mixture as it cooks.
• Use a fine mesh strainer. A standard colander will not catch all the small raspberry seeds.
• Decide how clear you want the cordial. Pressing the berries against the strainer extracts more juice but also allows more pulp through. Letting the mixture drain without pressing makes a clearer drink.
• Strain it twice for less pulp. If you want a smoother cordial, pour the strained juice through a clean fine mesh strainer a second time.
• Use a heat-safe pitcher. The water and raspberry syrup will still be hot when combined, so avoid pouring them directly into a pitcher that cannot handle heat.
• Chill it completely. Raspberry Cordial tastes best when it is very cold. I like to make it the day before and refrigerate it overnight.
• Adjust the sweetness by diluting. The easiest way to make it less sweet is to add cold water or sparkling water after it has chilled.
• Save the raspberry pulp. The sweetened berries left in the strainer are good spooned over yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make Ahead and Storage

Raspberry Cordial is a great make-ahead drink because it needs time to chill. Prepare it the day before serving and refrigerate it overnight in a covered pitcher or sealed container.

Store leftover cordial in the refrigerator for up to five days. Stir it before serving because a little raspberry pulp may settle at the bottom.

You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Leave some open space at the top of the container because the liquid will expand as it freezes. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

Do not add ice or sparkling water to the entire pitcher before storing it. Ice will dilute the drink, and sparkling water will lose its carbonation.

Pairing Ideas

Turn this drink into an Anne of Green Gables tea party by serving it with Tea Sandwiches, Mini Fruit Tarts, Cheesecake Filled Strawberries, Easy Phyllo Cups with Fruit, Triple Berry Cheesecake Bites, or Lemon Blueberry Scones. Add a platter of fresh fruit and vegetables for a simple, colorful spread. You can also find more menu inspiration in our collection of 35+ Brunch Ideas.

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