Red cordial is a rich, red, homemade raspberry drink. You can mix it with water at the normal dilution rate for cordials (1:10), although Jackie prefers hers half strength while Bryan likes his twice as strong! Other mixers such as soda water or lemonade can be used instead of water. (Tip: if mixing with lemonade stir well as the fruit tends to settle to the bottom, and low-calorie lemonade is best, otherwise the drink will be too sugary.)
Red cordial also makes stunning spiders, a great topping for ice-cream, and the best possible Bodgie’s Blood (a 50s favourite made with cola instead of water and 1-2 scoops of ice-cream).
1. Put the sugar and water into a saucepan and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Add the raspberries and lemon juice then simmer for 5 minutes. Stir well, mashing the fruit as it simmers.
3. Add the tartaric acid, then put the mixture through a strainer and allow to cool.
4. Bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.