Apple & Blackberry Cordial

A rich autumn cordial made from apples and blackberries, with a deep jewel-red colour and gentle fruitiness. Bottle it for a seasonal gift, pour it over ice while the days are still warm, or dilute it with hot water when the evenings begin to turn chilly.

This is one of those recipes that sits beautifully between late summer and autumn — blackberries from the hedgerow, apples beginning to ripen and a bottle of something lovely waiting for the darker evenings ahead.

Makes About 1 litre

Time About 1 hour

Difficulty Easy

Best for Bottling & gifting

Ingredients

For the Cordial

500g blackberries
500g apples, roughly chopped
750ml water
300–400g granulated sugar, to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 small cinnamon stick, optional

You Will Also Need

A large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Fine sieve or jelly bag
Clean sterilised bottles
Funnel or jug for pouring
Labels and ribbon if giving as a gift

Method

Prepare the fruit. Rinse the blackberries gently. Wash and roughly chop the apples, removing any damaged pieces. There is no need to peel them.
Cook the fruit. Place the apples, blackberries and water in a large saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Bring gently to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for around 25–30 minutes until the fruit is very soft.
Mash lightly. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to press the fruit gently and release more juice.
Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve or jelly bag into a clean bowl. Leave it to drain naturally if you want a clearer cordial, or press lightly if you are happy with a more rustic finish.
Sweeten. Measure the strained juice and return it to a clean saucepan. Add the sugar gradually, tasting as you go, then add the lemon juice.
Heat again. Warm gently until the sugar has completely dissolved, then bring just to a brief simmer.
Bottle. Carefully pour the hot cordial into warm sterilised bottles, seal and allow to cool.

Taste before adding all the sugar

Apples and blackberries vary enormously in sweetness. Begin with the lower amount and add more only if needed. The cordial should taste concentrated, because it will be diluted before drinking.

Ways to Serve It

Cold & Sparkling

Add a small amount of cordial to a glass and top with chilled still or sparkling water. Add ice, apple slices or a few blackberries if you like.

Warm for Autumn

Dilute with hot water and add a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick for a simple warming drink on cooler evenings.

For a Gathering

Make up a jug with sparkling water and slices of apple for an easy non-alcoholic autumn drink.

In the Kitchen

Try a spoonful over yogurt, porridge or ice cream, or use a little to flavour an autumn fruit dessert.

Make It a Gift

Pour the cordial into a clean swing-top bottle or small glass bottle, add a handwritten label and tie a little piece of twine or fabric around the neck. Include simple serving instructions and storage guidance. It would also sit beautifully in an autumn hamper alongside biscuits, preserves or a small packet of mulling spices.

Storage

Keep the cordial refrigerated once cooled and use within about two weeks. For longer keeping, freeze in suitable containers, leaving room for expansion. If gifting, make sure the recipient knows that it should be kept chilled and used promptly.

Kitchen Notes

Take care when handling hot fruit liquid and sterilised bottles. Use heatproof equipment and avoid pouring very hot cordial into cold glass. Check all fruit carefully before use and discard anything spoiled or mouldy.