Blueberry Mint Cordial

Summer fruits and berries are perfect for turning into cordials. In this case, we’re talking about non-alcoholic cordials, more like a fruity simply syrup. In Swedish these are called saft and blåbärssaft is a very popular one.

This version adds a little mint as well, but you could play around with other herbs like basil or rosemary.

Ingredients:

• About 17 ounces/500 grams of organic blueberries, rinsed (this is about 4 cups)

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

• 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces, 100 grams) of organic cane sugar

• 2 to 3 large sprigs of mint

Preparation:

Place the blueberries and water in a saucepan. Place on the stove and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the blueberries start to pop. Use a wooden spoon to help mash up the berries.

Line a mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Remove the blueberries from the stove pour into the strainer. Let sit for about 30 minutes until all the liquid has strained out. Don’t you dare throw the blueberry mash away: it tastes good on its own or over a little yogurt or ice cream.

Pour the liquid into a clean saucepan and place on medium heat. Slowly add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a clean bottle or jar.

If you have lots of blueberries on hand (what a luxury!) you can easily double this recipe.

To drink, mix with still or sparkling water. Use about a 1 to 4 ratio of cordial to water. Mix according to taste. Add a sprig of mint for good measure. It’s summer after all.

This cordial can also be used in cocktails too. A blueberry gin and tonic perhaps?