A few weeks ago I went to a class at Wellington’s Handmade 2011 on preserving. Anna Kelly taught a great class in making jam, infused olive oil and this delicious drink syrup. It is really easy and takes hardly any time at all. A pretty bottle of this syrup would make such a great gift! And between you and me, a hot drink made with this syrup and a wee dash of whiskey is perfect on winter evenings.
Anna Kelly’s Lemon & Ginger Elixir
3 large lemons, juice and grated rind
25g fresh ginger, grated. You don’t even have to peel it!
750g white sugar
1/2 Tbsp citric acid
2 cups boiling water
Place all ingredients into a large heatproof bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then cover and leave overnight. Strain the syrup through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Pour into sterilised bottles or jars and seal.
Make a hot or cold drink with one part syrup to four parts water. I haven’t tried it but it would probably also be delicious poured lightly over muffins when they’ve just come out of the oven, to make a crunchy topping. Or in cocktails with mint and gin. Any other ideas?
I’m a real lemon and ginger drink freak. Although I’ve made straight lemon cordial this is most definitely on the list for next time.
I am never buying the stuff from the supermarket ever again! You have just saved me so much money!!!
LOVE the label! Would be delish mixed through a fruit salad with mint…om nom nom
I like that it’s called Elixir, makes it sound much cooler. And you just don’t see citric acid around enough on recipe ingredients lists, right?
This is so perfect for winter! I just had a bought one this morning so will definitely try this asap – and agree that it would make a great gift too Thanks for sharing this.
Yeah, this stuff is great over winter. I drink so much tea, this is a nice change! Nessie – great idea for fruit salad! I may have to steal it. Hungryandfrozen – citric acid, I’m sure it’s under-used!
Now your talking, a wee dram of whisky is my style.
Just have to ask, recipe says to put into a heatproof bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved, is it done in microwave or just in a pot and bring to heat until dissolved?
Thanks!
Hi, thanks for your question! Actually, the bowl just has to be able to handle the boiling water being poured into it. Which is almost all bowls – it was a strange instruction in hindsight! You just put the boiling water in, stir it and leave it – no heating necessary. Cheers
I love this cordial. Even my husband likes it. So I am now making it frequently, which means spending less at the supermarket on cordials. Thank you
Can you use this to make lemonaid?
I guess so… I’m not sure what kind of lemonade you like, and keep in mind this has ginger in it, but you can make lemonade by mixing a syrup like this with carbonated water! Can’t hurt to try anyway