Homemade Christmas - Raspberry Vinegar Cordial

My parents-in-law Judith and Andrew live about 20 minutes away from us, just at the foot of Mt Canobolas and have the most beautiful garden. In it grows a bank of raspberry canes which right now are heavy with intensely flavoured fruit.

Tim’s Dad Andrew, a retired vet and deer farmer (he began our journey with Mandagery Creek Venison some 30 years ago) isn’t usually one to be found in the kitchen but at this time of year he does get his apron and makes a few batches of this raspberry vinegar cordial.

With memories of his grandmother Annie making the same for him as a boy, he has been experimenting with recipes that mirror hers and has finally cracked it. Thank you so much Andrew for letting us share it here!

 

I’d actually never tried raspberry vinegar cordial before. Raspberry vinegar yes, as a condiment but not as a drink and was really pleasantly surprised. The result is sweet and fruity but balanced with the vinegar’s acidity and beautifully refreshing served over loads of crushed ice and mineral water.

If you are lucky enough to have raspberries growing at home, do try this recipe, it's a lovely and different way to preserve them. They are also a pretty good price right now at the shops so the rest of us can still have a go too! Thank you Andrew for sharing this ‘family’ recipe! Can we add some vodka on Christmas day!??

Raspberry Vinegar Cordial

600gm raspberries

2kg white sugar

2 litres white vinegar (the best you can get - half white vinegar and half verjus would also be nice)

Wash the raspberries then drain and place in a large bowl. Add the vinegar and beat together until the mixture becomes a rough slush. Cover with a tea towel and set aside for a day or two (not in the fridge). 

Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve or muslin bag, extracting as much liquid as possible. Transfer to a saucepan and bring mixture to a boil, add the sugar and whisk to combine. Boil for five minutes then divide between sterilised bottles and immediately seal. Makes about three litres.