Homemade Blackcurrant Cordial

Ingredients

Blackcurrants

4 cups, rinsed

Water

4 cups

Granulated sugar

2 cups

Lemon juice

1/2 cup, freshly squeezed

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the blackcurrants thoroughly under cold water and placing them in a large saucepan.
2. Add the water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently crush the blackcurrants to release their juices into the water.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible from the solids.
5. Return the strained juice to the saucepan, and add the sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
7. Once dissolved, bring the mixture back to a gentle boil and allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and let the cordial cool to room temperature before transferring it into sterilized bottles or jars for storage.
9. To serve, dilute the cordial with still or sparkling water to taste, adjusting the sweetness and intensity according to your preference.