9 times cordial was punching above its weight

Sticky, sweet and always up for a party, here's how you can shine over the warmer months and get creative with your cordial.

Blueberry limonata Source: Alan Benson

1. When life gives you lemons...

Call up makrut lime and ginger and get your hands on this refreshing number. This recipe makes plenty and it keeps well in the fridge for 2 weeks, that is if it lasts that long.

Kaffir lime and lemon cordial Source: SBS Food

2. A great way to use up those strawberries

Ripe strawberries, lemon and rose geranium leaves come together in the quick cordial recipe. Serve this one with soda or mineral water for a little fizz factor. Get this recipe.

Strawberry and rose geranium cordial

3. Blueberry limonata

This cordial mixed is channelling those warmer vibes. If you want to take it up a notch then you could replace the plain water with sparkling or perhaps mix with a little sparkling wine instead. 

Blueberry limonata Source: Alan Benson

4. For kids big and small

We always say yes to snow cones here at SBS Food HQ! Make your own tangy cherry and berry cordial and turn them into these lovely little pick-me-ups whenever you need that cool factor. Recipe right here.

Source: Petrina Tinslay

5. Elderflower all the way

Slipping into the spring, elderflowers go well in fritters, salads or as a garnish and another option is to make your own refreshing elderflower cordial. Hot tip  - add a sneaky shot of gin to your glass when serving!

6. Use up that excess rhubarb

This concentrated syrup goes well with soda or tonic waters and ice, but adding a touch of vodka makes the grown-ups happy (and sleepy). Get the recipe.

Source: Alan Benson.

7. One for the melon heads

Depending on the size of your watermelon, a good kilo of pulp from one-quarter of a watermelon is about what you can expect. Fill a glass with ice, one-third cordial, add gin to taste, then top up with soda water and garnish with basil. Get your gin fizz on right here.

Watermelon and basil gin fizz

8. Peach Melba vibes

This flavour combination, reminiscent of the classic Peach Melba, makes for a lovely syrup. The end result can be used for breakfast, with dessert, or to make a very attractive coloured and flavoured drink. Frozen raspberries work well in it, too. Get this raspberry and peach version right here.

Raspberry and peach cordial Source: Laurence Livermore via Flickr

9. It works wonders in cake

This yoghurt and elderflower syrup cake is a variation on a Greek-inspired yoghurt cake. The raspberries tend to sink into the batter a bit as the cake rises, which is just perfect.

Yoghurt and raspberry cake... thank you Matthew Evans! Source: Alan Benson

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