Strawberry Water (Or Strawberry Cordial)

Submitted by Syrinx

"This recipe comes from a 1920s French cookery book called "La Bonne Cuisine de Madame E. St-Ange", which I bought recently in a facsimile edition. It makes a delicious non-alcoholic strawberry drink - although you can also use it to flavour champagne or white wine. The recipe is my dodgy translation of the key points of the recipe, supplemented with my own comments - but I've tried it, and it works very well :-)"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 3
• Yields: 1500 ml
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 300 g strawberries, ripe and unblemished, washed and hulled, with any damaged sections removed
• 375 g granulated sugar
• 1500 ml water

directions

1. In a large pan over a low flame, dissolve the sugar in the water.
2. Increase the flame and bring the liquid to a boil, then plunge in the strawberries, put a close-fitting lid on the pot and turn off the heat.
3. Leave the pan undisturbed for at least an hour to infuse.
4. Dampen a piece of muslin cloth (or a jelly bag), and strain off the liquid into a large bowl or jug. Leave the pulp to drip until all the liquid has been collected - do not press the strawberry pulp, or the liquid will turn cloudy. In my experience, the drained pulp is very popular with passing children, despite its rather anaemic appearance!
5. Chill the beautiful ruby-red strawberry water, then serve over ice. You may need to dilute it with water, to taste.
6. Alternative serving suggestion - pour a little of the chilled strawberry water into a wine glass, then top up with chilled sparkling wine.

Reviews

[Sassy Syrah]

This is a good way to use up strawberries if you have a glut. I liked that it was relatively simple to make. Next time I think I will either use less sugar or up the strawberry amount as it is a bit cloying to me even diluted. Overall, it is a very nice different non-alcoholic drink that would be a welcome alternative at a party I think. Since no keeping time is mentioned, I think I will have to freeze the remainder of mine.

 

[Aussie-In-California]

Just what I have been looking for! I had to use frozen strawberries, doubled the recipe, and it turned out wonderfully. Cordial recipes without adding acids is hard to find. Perfect for me who has to keep to an acid free/low acid diet. Thank you!

 

[daisygrl64]

Wow very very smashing drink! Tranquil and Aromatic at that! This was very easy to prepare and I liked the fact that I didn't have to run to the pot once it was done. I am surprised this has only 3 rating. Hopefully it will come along after an recent review. :)

 

[Rookie with a few B]

I can't believe it's almost all gone already! The strawberries have practically just left us for the year! Mix with lemonaid, or sparkling water with an orange wedge, and maybe even some smashed blueberries. Delightful!

 

[Everblest]

Perfect complement to my tea party and received with rave reviews. The ladies mentioned the refreshing nature of the beverage, the wonderful fragrance, and pleasant body. This is a keeper. Wonderfully easy to make too!