STRAWBERRY LIME CORDIAL: fresh fruit, optional alcohol, low sugar, easy, prep ahead

Lively strawberry lime fizz, a gorgeously fruity thirst quencher perfect for a heatwave...

Strawberries with a hint of lime...add fizzy water or champers, white wine or grape juice. '...a wonderful pick-me-up when lying in bed with 'flu' 

Looking for another recipe to enjoy all the gorgeous ruby red strawberries on offer everywhere?  

They're at their peak as we head up to Wimbledon season, and tons of them will be served there sprinkled with a bit of sugar and loaded with double or clotted cream. 

Or there's always Eton Mess, the classic mix of strawberries, cream and crushed macaroons.  Or 67goingon50's non-traditional but highly desireable Strawberries 'n Cream with Sweet Ginger. 

Strawberry Lime Cordial is another 67 twist on the delicious fruit.

Pureed strawberries with a hint of lime form a thick cordial which is topped up with ice and fizzy water or champagne or white wine or white grape juice.

It's designed to appeal to tee-totallers and kids as well as drinkers. 

Whatever your choice, it's a gorgeous colour and has great strawberry flavour with a kick  of lime.  It's ever-so-refreshing in a heatwave.

67goingon50 liked it without any sugar at all, but adding a bit of sugar or maple syrup may heighten the pleasure for kids and others.

Easy to make, it's prepped in advance.

Cost: depending on berries, maybe £4.00 not including alcohol (6/23)

Makes: maybe 6-8 glasses; recipe doubles easily   

Ingredients:

300gm/10.5oz ripe strawberries, green removed

zest & flesh of two limes

1/2 cup boiling water

2-3 tbsp maple syrup (opt)

one star anise (opt)

Method:

1. Zest the limes, remove the white pith from the flesh and add with star anise (optional) in a heat-proof bowl; pour over boiling water; steep 20 mins
2. Remove star anise; set aside
3. Add a handful of strawberries; whizz to a very fine pulp
4. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl; pour in pulp, pressing the flat of a spatula against the mesh to extract all the liquid
5. Cover and chill 24 hours
6. When ready to serve, process the rest of the strawberries and repeat instruction 4. 
7. Mix with lime puree.
8. Pour cordial into a jug; add the star anise, a few halved berries and a slice or two of lime for decoration
9. Mix one part cocktail with 1 1/2 parts champagne or other alcohol, prosecco or fizzy water

Comment: 'I really liked this, especially the slight tartness.  Of the varieties I tested, the  sugar-free version was my favourite but add sugar or maple syrup depending on your taste.'  Retired writer

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This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.