Raspberry & Red Currant Cordial

Many years ago, I bought an electric juice machine which squeezed fresh juice from fruits, berries and vegetables. But there were too many parts to remove and clean so the days of juice making were not many. The machine was put away in the cupboard where the waffle iron, sandwich grill, blender and ice cream maker are living and collecting dust most of the time.



Once a year, I take the juice machine out, dust it off and plug it in. There is nothing more delicious or thirst quenching on a hot summer day than a home made soft drink.



























Raspberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytochemical ellagic acid which acts as an antioxidant. This plant chemical is thought to have some anti-cancer properties (not proven though). Red currants are not quite as nutritious as raspberries, but red berries always contain high quantities of antioxidants and the most important is vitamin C, which our human body can't produce, so it must be obtained through our diet.



This is an easy way to make a refreshing beverage with vitamins and lovely flavor. And no messy straining through a muslin lined sieve!



Raspberry and red currant, how I love the combination. (Of course, other berries may be used).



INGREDIENTS:

Sugar syrup:

* 450 grams/16 oz caster sugar

* 6 dl/600 ml/2.5 cups water



Juice:

* 1/2 liter/500 ml/2 cups raspberries

* 1 liter/1000 ml/4 cups red currants



METHOD:

1. Dissolve sugar in water over a gentle heat.

2. Slowly bring to a boil.

3. Cook until clear, then simmer gently for a minute or two.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool completely.

5. Meanwhile, take out your juice machine, plug it in and turn on the machine.

6. Begin feeding the berries through the juicer.

7. Mix berry juice and sugar syrup together.

8. Pour berry cordial into small plastic bottles and freeze.

9. Take a bottle out of the freezer when needed and dilute with fizzy water or tap water and serve with ice. 



This cordial is also ideal for teenage parties when you do not wish to serve alcohol. It can also be made into punch by using sparkling white wine (alcohol free or not) instead of water.