Lime Cordial

The lime tree in our garden is fruiting well this year with large juicy limes, which is great as I use them often in my cooking and they make lovely cordial.  Zesty and bright, homemade lime cordial tastes so much better than the shop-bought variety.  They make refreshing drinks and tantalising cocktails with a kick of tanginess and sweetness.  Experiment with your favourite beverages.  Here are some suggestions:

• Make a simple lime cordial drink by diluting it with cold water in a glass.
• Pour a small amount of lime cordial into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water, tonic water or ginger ale.
• Add a shot of lime cordial to a light beer.
• Combine gin and lime cordial to create a gimlet cocktail.

Makes 5-6 cups of lime cordial

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh lime juice (12-15 limes)
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons citric acid

METHOD

1. Wash 3-4 bottles and lids with hot soapy water.  Rinse well with hot water.  Sterilise by placing them into a preheated 120°C/250°F oven for 20 minutes, or until they are dry.
2. With a paring knife, peel off pieces of zest from 4-5 limes.  Set aside.
3. Juice all the limes.  Pour juice into a measuring jug through a fine sieve to remove any seeds and bits of membrane. 
4. Combine sugar with citric acid in a bowl.
5. In a large saucepan, bring water to the boil with the lime zest.
6. Pour sugar mixture into the boiling water.  Stir until the sugar dissolve, then boil for 3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and pour in the lime juice.  Bring the cordial back to a simmer for 2 minutes.  Do not boil for best flavour.
8. Pick out and discard the zest.   Fill bottles with lime cordial to the top.  Seal immediately and allow to cool at room temperature.  Let the cordial settle for a day before using.  
9. Keep lime cordial in the fridge and use within a few weeks.