Homemade Lime Cordial
Bright and refreshing, this homemade lime cordial is a delightful mixer that adds tang and sweetness to any drink.
Equipment
- Zester or Grater
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Citrus juicer
- Saucepan
- Fine-Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
- Glass Bottle or Jar for Storage
Ingredients
- 6-8 Whole Fresh limes
- 1 Cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Tbsp Citric acid for added tang and preservation
Instructions
- Prepare the Limes: Begin by zesting 4-5 of the limes, avoiding the white pith, as it can add bitterness. Set the zest aside.
- Juice the Limes: After zesting, cut and juice all the limes. You should have about 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Set the juice aside.
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup.
- Add Zest and Citric Acid: Add the lime zest and optional citric acid to the syrup. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
- Combine and Rest: Stir in the lime juice and let the mixture sit for 1 hour to infuse and develop flavor.
- Strain and Store: Strain the cordial into a clean glass bottle or jar using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the zest solids.
- Serve or Store: Your cordial is ready to use! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: For a less sweet cordial, reduce the sugar slightly and taste as you go to find your preferred sweetness level.
- Extra Tang: Citric acid enhances the tangy flavor and acts as a natural preservative, so don’t skip it if you like a punchier taste.
- Serving Ideas: Mix with soda water for a refreshing lime soda or use it in cocktails like gin gimlets and margaritas.