Nettle cordial

[ChrisJB]

I bought some Nettle cordial from the farm shop at Rheged (Cumberland) the other day and it's really good. Does anyone have a recipe so I can make some more when I run out?

Regards, Chris

[Kayleigh]

Just done a google and could only find nettle beer recipes. But I did fined where you can buy more..

Thorncroft Wild Nettle Cordial 375ml

[tufftie]

No I don't either but I do have a great one for elderflower cordial if you want that one?

Thinking about it though, cordials are by and large made in the same way, what other flavours did you detect? Must be more than just nettles...ginger, liquorice....? If you let me know I'll try and sort one out for you.

[ChrisJB]

Cheers Kayleigh for that. I like the idea of making some of my own, but I can fall back on Thorncrofts if I don't get a decent recipe.
Tufftie, not sure of the other flavours as yet. I'll check the bottle and get back to you.

Regards, Chris

[ChrisJB]

Right Tufftie, this is what we have:

Fresh nettle leaves (no amount given)
water
cane sugar
blackcurrant (no amount, but can't be much because the colour of the stuff is still green)
citric acid (would citrus fruits be a suitable alternative?)

I look forward to see you weave your magic!

Regards, Chris

[tufftie]

Hi,

Just one thing do they day blackcurrants or blackcurrant leaves? Leaves are quite often used in herbal teas...it may account for the colour still being green.

It needs to be citric acid - for good preservation and you'll need to keep it in the fridge really to..or a very cool place.

Let me know about the blackcurrants and i'll come up with something tomorrow

[ChrisJB]

It just says blackcurrant. In my elderflower cordial I use oranges and lemons, so if I can't use these, where do I buy citric acid? As you can probably guess, I'm a bit of a muppet in this field!

Regards, Chris

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

It just says blackcurrant. In my elderflower cordial I use oranges and lemons, so if I can't use these, where do I buy citric acid? As you can probably guess, I'm a bit of a muppet in this field!

Regards, Chris

Okay - you get it from a chemist but suggest you take recipe book with you! - you'll find out why
If you base it round the elderflower one you shouldn't go too far wrong... don't use too many nettle leaves though or it'll taste like spinach - spinach surprise cordial..yuk!!

[Venger]

As per most things, pick the young leaves on nettles.
Dont pick them near a road (traffic pollution and possible pesticide) or on an old industrial estate.
If it was still green I'd say rasberry leaves were in order rather than berries.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by tufftie

Okay - you get it from a chemist but suggest you take recipe book with you! - you'll find out why
If you base it round the elderflower one you shouldn't go too far wrong... don't use too many nettle leaves though or it'll taste like spinach - spinach surprise cordial..yuk!!

Now I'm alarmed! I'm scared of asking for it in the chemist now! Please explain before I make a total fool of myself!

I've heard about nettle beer too. Anyone any ideas for that? If it involves weird ingredients like citric acid (I've led a sheltered life!), could you please add where I might buy them.
Thanks in advance.

Regards, Chris