Cranberry and ginger cordial can be mixed with hot or cold water to make a refreshing drink with the tang of ginger balanced out with the fruity cranberry. Easy to make and a great flavor!

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One thing I miss from the UK is the range of cordials that have been becoming popular in recent years. For those not familiar with cordials, they are basically flavored syrups you can mix with hot or cold water to make a nice drink. I guess you could call it a simple syrup, as is more common here in the US.

Ginger cordial, ginger and lemongrass, elderflower and a few others were all favorites to have in the house when we lived in London. They make a great alternative to juice, to mix with sparkling water for a less sugary sparkling drink, or make into a caffeine-free hot drink that still has some taste (I struggle with a lot of fruit teas for tempting me by smelling nice but tasting of water).

When I first decided to play around with homemade cordial I was keen to use ginger as the base as it has that great punchy flavor. Then I happened to have a pile of cranberries that needed to be used up.

The result was this cranberry and ginger cordial with a little orange in the background. It's got the sharpness from the ginger but also the fruitiness from the cranberries that pair perfectly. It's vibrant, flavorful and a lovely festive flavor.

If you enjoy homemade cordials, why not try this orange cordial as well. Plus, my hibiscus syrup is essentially a cordial too and adds lovely flavor and color, as does my grape syrup used to make homemade grape soda.

Drink it cold or drink it warm

One of the things I like about cordial is that since you generally mix it with water, you can easily make it weaker or stronger to taste. You can serve it still or sparkling, too.

Also, as its getting colder, I am looking forward to enjoying it warm by adding hot water, possibly with some shortbread on the side. Speaking of which, the leftover cranberry mixture, minus the ginger and orange peel pieces, can be used to make cranberry filled shortbread.

A cordial is also essentially a flavored simple syrup as you might use for making cocktails (like my lemongrass syrup) so that gives even more ways to try it. I have yet to try this one in a cocktail, but I am thinking with gin or vodka, maybe lemon or lime and soda would be pretty good.

How long does cordial keep?

As I have made here, the cordial will keep refrigerated for a week or two. Just keep it in a bottle or jar and if any mould forms, it's time to throw it away.

When I was looking up some ginger cordial recipes as inspiration, a number had cream of tartar in them which I believe helps preserve the liquid for a bit longer. So feel free to give it a try, especially if you make a larger batch. For me, a small amount that we use more quickly, as here, works perfectly.

Cranberry and ginger cordial is very quick and easy to make with only a few ingredients. It has a lovely tang, isn't too sweet and makes a refreshing or comforting drink, perfect any time of year.

Try these other drinks with cranberry:

Cranberry gin
Cranberry whiskey sour
Warm spiced cranberry cocktail
Cranberry Moscow mule
Plus get more drink recipes in the archives.

And if you're a ginger fan, try my ginger syrup to use in cocktails or as a cordial, too.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Cranberry and ginger cordial

A simple flavored syrup that makes a delicious base for both warm and cold drinks, with the fresh-sharp punch of ginger.

Prep Time2

Cook Time10

Total Time12

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: British

Servings: approx

Calories: 58kcal

Author: Caroline's Cooking

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Ingredients

1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
1 in fresh ginger piece approx 1in/2.5cm, sliced and large slices chopped
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 slice orange zest
¼ cup orange juice approx ½ orange

Instructions

Put all ingredients in a small pan and warm over a medium heat, stirring initially to ensure sugar has dissolved.
As mixture comes to the boil, you will hear the cranberries burst. Once boiling, press cranberries to bottom or side of pan to help any that haven't popped do so and release the flavors.
Boil for 3-5mins then remove from heat and strain mixture into a bottle or other container.
The cordial can be mixed with hot or cold water, still or sparkling, on approx 1 part syrup to 5 parts water ratio.
Cordial will keep for a couple weeks in the refrigerator.
The leftover cranberry mixture after straining can be re-used as a jam if the pieces of ginger and orange rind are removed, again store in a box in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

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