Orange cordial is a sweet, tart orange concentrate that you can mix with just about anything for a refreshing drink.
I like it with a bit of fizzy water, it reminds me a bit of Orangina. When I was a kid we called it orange squash but regardless of what you want to call it, this is a fabulous drink.
This cordial is a perfect beginner recipe, that delivers delicious results. If you are in a hurry you can use a carton of fresh orange juice from the store to save a bit of time. I rather enjoy reaming oranges. It reminds me of childhood and makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I’ve noticed that orange reamers are making a comeback!
Directions for canning (bottling) are also listed in the recipe notes so that you can store the bottles in a cupboard rather than refrigerating. This also makes them ideal for gift giving! We really like the Italian made Luigi Bormioli Lock Eat Glass Juice Jar Carafe which can be used for canning!! If you are new to canning we’ve written an easy to follow guide.
I love how certain flavours can transport you to another time and place. This orange cordial does that for me. When I was a kid, my Grandad would immediately start fussing over me the moment I walked into his flat.
He would head over to the cupboard and pull down a bottle of orange squash concentrate that he kept tucked away for his grandchildren. He would swiftly mix up a glass of this sweet, tart beverage and plunk it down in front of me. If I didn’t drink it fast enough he would lovingly say “git it daern yer lass, get it daern yer” in his broad Yorkshire accent. For my grandparents, nourishment was a big expression of love and that’s what I felt during this exchange of ours.
Today, I did just that, whilst hearing his voice and remembering the love. Cheers Grandad!
CANNING INSTRUCTIONS Notes: do not juice your oranges in the juicer unless you peel them first. You'll end up with a terribly bitter product. We use a steam canner which is a time saving and convenient way to preserve jams, jellies and pickles. You can learn more about them here.Ingredients
Instructions