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
• 5 cups sugar
• 2 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 the boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
9. Pick out and discard the zest.   Fill bottles with lime cordial.  Allow to settle for a day before using.  
10. Keep lime cordial in the fridge and use within a few weeks.