Blackcurrant Cordial is fruity, tart, sweet and laced with vanilla. A step up from regular squash that will please kids and adults alike. Top with water, soda or Sparkling wine to make a variety of blackcurrant drinks . Easy to make, freezable and a great way to use up surplus fruit.
This recipe was first published in July 2016 and updated in June 2020.
The recipe for this blackcurrant syrup with vanilla was inspired by numerous family holidays in France.
As a family we have a soft spot for the syrups that often appear on café menus in France. Technically, these syrups are not much different to our traditional cordials. I say technically because these French syrups just seem much more of a treat. They seem richer and fuller in flavour.
And, unlike the UK, these syrups come in a dazzling array of flavours. In fact, one of my favourite parts of holidaying in France is watching my girls, on their first café visit of the holiday, trying to decide between those flavours.
We get so much enjoyment out of this treat that I decided to make my own version of these fruit syrups. I plumped for a variation on our national hero, blackcurrant cordial, since blackcurrants are so quintessentially British.
My blackcurrant cordial is fruity, tart & sweet all in one go. And I’ve laced it with sweet, mellow vanilla to make the flavour a little more exciting. It is dark, punchy and vibrant - definitely a step up from regular blackcurrant squash.
What is Blackcurrant Cordial made from and How is it Used?
Blackcurrant cordial (aka blackcurrant squash) is a non-alcoholic fruit drink concentrate made from fruit, sugar and water.
Fruit cordials are intended to be diluted with water, soda water or other soft drinks before being consumed.
In the UK a cordial is also referred to as squash, but elsewhere in the world, especially France, syrup is a popular term for a cordial.
How to Make this Cordial
My Blackcurrant cordial is a great way to use up a surplus of fruit that would otherwise go to waste. It can even be made with blackcurrants that have previously been frozen or ones that are getting a little on the squishy side:
- Put the blackcurrants into a saucepan
- Split the vanilla pods, if using, and scrape the seeds into the pan then drop the pods in too
- Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit and pour in the water
- Allow the sugar to dissolve over a moderate heat, then bring the liquid to simmering point, squashing the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon as it heats
- Remove from the heat and cool for 20 minutes before straining through a sieve
- Optional: Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth to remove any small pieces of fruit that may have passed through the sieve
- Let cool completely
How long can it be stored for?
Once made, the cordial will keep, refrigerated, for around a month.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! This blackcurrant cordial can also be frozen and defrosted for later use. Try pouring into an ice cube tray then freezing, so you can pop out a single portion as required
How to Use Blackcurrant Cordial
This cordial can be used to create a multitude of different blackcurrant drinks:
- go traditional and serve it over ice topped up with water
- try adding sparkling water or cream soda for a change
- get swish - make ice cubes with edible flowers in them or drop a few fresh blackcurrants into the glass to bob around
- top with hot water for a comforting warm blackcurrant drink on a chilly day
- if you fancy a tipple, drop a little into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine (or champagne)
Just one more thing - did I mention that this Blackcurrant Cordial can also be used to make a particularly stylish Blackcurrant & Vanilla Mojito?
If you love blackcurrants, take a look at my other blackcurrant drinks:
- Refreshing Coconut Blackcurrant Smoothie
- Coffee with Blackcurrant & Almond
- Apple, Fig, Blackcurrant, Pear & Carrot Juice
- Blackcurrant smoothie with mango
Blackcurrant Cordial with Vanilla
Ingredients
- 300 g/ 10 ½ oz Blackcurrants (fresh or frozen)
- 160 g/ 5 ½ oz Caster sugar
- 320 ml/ 1 ⅓ cup Water
- 2 Vanilla pods (optional)
Instructions
- Put the blackcurrants into a saucepan
- If using - split the vanilla pods and scrap the seeds into the pan. Add the pods
- Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit
- Pour in the water
- Allow the sugar to dissolve over a moderate heat, then bring the liquid to simmering point, squashing the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon as it heats
- Remove from the heat and cool for 20 minutes before straining through a sieve
- Optional: Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth to remove any small pieces of fruit that may have passed through the sieve
- Let cool completely, the store in the fridge for up to 1 month or freeze in small batches
Well, I learned a lot reading this. I always thought of squash as a yellow vegetable and had no idea it could refer to a drink. Also, I've thought cordials were alcoholic after dinner drinks. Thanks for the education and the yummy recipe.
oh interesting. I bet it's different continents playing tricks on our word meanings again. I grew up on cordials.... definitely no alcohol in those ones, but I'm happy to upgrade now, haha 🙂
The final beverage looks so good! This recipe seems easy enough - I'm going to give it a try.
Hope you enjoy it!
I made this over the weekend and it really is so incredibly flavorful! Thanks for the delicious recipe.
Ah brilliant - thanks for letting me know you got along well 🙂
This and ranch water are my all time favorite drinks. Thanks a lot for this recipe. Black currant is what I love.
This is such a great idea! We love sparkling water especially during the summer and this will give it a splash of flavor not to mention gorgeous color too!
wow. I'm so enthralled by the photos I hardly read the recipe! Such a wonderful way to make a unique cocktail!
Mimi, thankyou so much, but please do read the recipe - I don't want you to miss out 😉