Did you know you can make tasty drinks from plants and flowers? Herbal cordials mix plant parts with sugar and alcohol to make yummy drinks. Many kids wonder how these drinks are made. This guide will show you how to make herbal cordials at home with an adult’s help. You’ll learn fun facts and easy steps!
What Are Herbal Cordials with Alcohol?
Herbal cordials are sweet drinks made from plants, sugar, and a splash of alcohol. The alcohol helps pull out the good stuff from plants and keeps the drink fresh longer.
Types of Herbal Cordials
You can make many kinds of herbal cordials:
- Fruit cordials: Made with berries, citrus, or other fruits
- Floral cordials: Made with flowers like roses or lavender
- Herbal cordials: Made with mint, basil, or other herbs
- Mixed cordials: Combine fruits, flowers, and herbs
Why Make Herbal Cordials at Home?
Making cordials at home is fun and has many good points:
- You pick what goes in
- You can try new plant mixes
- It costs less than store drinks
- You learn about plants and cooking
Basic Tools Needed for Herbal Cordial Making
Before you start, get these tools ready:
| Tool | Why You Need It |
| Glass jars | To mix and store your cordial |
| Strainer | To remove plant parts |
| Funnel | To pour without spills |
| Measuring cups | To get the right amounts |
| Bottles | To keep your finished drink |
| Wooden spoon | For mixing |
You might also want a food processor to chop herbs or fruits if you have lots to prepare.
Ingredients for a Basic Herbal Cordial
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh herbs or flowers
- White sugar
- Vodka or brandy (an adult will handle this part)
- Water
- Lemon juice (for some recipes)
Step-by-Step Herbal Cordial Recipe with Alcohol
Step 1: Pick Your Plants
Choose fresh herbs or flowers. Good picks for beginners:
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
- Rose petals
- Elderflowers
Step 2: Clean Your Plants
- Wash herbs or flowers
- Dry them with a paper towel
- Pick off bad parts
Step 3: Prepare Your Jar
- Make sure your jar is clean
- Check for cracks
- Dry it well
Step 4: Add Ingredients
- Put herbs in jar (fill about half)
- Pour sugar over herbs (1 cup)
- Ask an adult to add alcohol (2 cups)
- Close jar tight
Step 5: Let It Sit
- Put jar in a dark spot
- Shake jar each day
- Wait 2-4 weeks
Step 6: Strain Your Cordial
- Place strainer over bowl
- Pour mix through strainer
- Press herbs to get all liquid
Step 7: Bottle Your Cordial
- Use a funnel
- Pour into clean bottles
- Put labels with date
Popular Herbal Cordial Recipes with Alcohol
Mint Cordial
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups vodka
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Steps: Mix all in jar, wait 3 weeks, strain, bottle.
Elderflower Cordial
- 20 elderflower heads
- 4 cups sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cups vodka
Steps: Remove stems from flowers, mix all in jar, wait 4 weeks, strain, bottle.
Rose Petal Cordial
- 2 cups rose petals
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups brandy
Steps: Mix in jar, wait 3 weeks, strain, bottle.
How to Use Your Herbal Cordial
Your finished cordial can be used in many ways:
- Mix with fizzy water (1 part cordial, 4 parts water)
- Pour over ice cream
- Add to tea
- Use in cake recipes
- Give as gifts in pretty bottles
Many people use glass bottles instead of plastic ones to store their cordials, as they keep flavors better.
Tips for Making the Best Herbal Cordials
Picking Plants
- Pick herbs in morning after dew dries
- Don’t use plants from roadsides
- Don’t use sprayed plants
Sugar Tips
- White sugar works best
- You can try honey (use less)
- Brown sugar changes flavor
Alcohol Tips
An adult should handle this part:
- Vodka has no taste and works for most herbs
- Brandy adds warm flavor
- Rum works well with spices
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
| Cordial is cloudy | Strain again through coffee filter |
| Not sweet enough | Add simple syrup |
| Too strong | Add more water when serving |
| Mold on top | Sadly, throw it out and start fresh |
Seasonal Herbs for Cordials
Spring Herbs
- Violet flowers
- Dandelion flowers
- Lemon balm
Summer Herbs
- Roses
- Lavender
- Mint
- Lemon verbena
Fall Herbs
- Rosehips
- Apples
- Blackberries
Winter Herbs
- Pine needles
- Citrus peels
- Dried herbs
Fun Facts About Herbal Cordials
- People have made cordials for hundreds of years.
- The word “cordial” means “of the heart” because they were once used as medicine.
- Queen Elizabeth I loved cordials made with roses.
- Monks in old times made many herb cordials.
- Some cordials were thought to cure illness.
Safety Notes
- Always have an adult help with recipes using alcohol
- Never eat wild plants unless an adult expert says they’re safe
- Wash hands before making cordials
- Keep cordials in the fridge after opening
- Label bottles clearly
Serving Ideas for Kids and Adults
For kids:
- Use a tiny bit of cordial with lots of water or juice
- Make ice pops with diluted cordial
For adults:
- Mix with wine for spritzers
- Add to cocktails
- Use in hot toddies
Storing Your Herbal Cordial
Your cordial will last longer if you:
- Keep in dark bottles
- Store in cool, dark place
- Close caps tight
- Use clean tools when pouring
Most cordials keep for 6-12 months if made right. If you need tips on organizing your kitchen space for cordial making, there are great guides online.
Gifting Your Herbal Cordials
Homemade cordials make nice gifts:
- Use pretty bottles
- Make nice labels
- Add recipe cards
- Tie with ribbon
Cordial Making Through History
People have made cordials for a very long time:
- 1100s: Monks made herb drinks
- 1500s: Queens and kings had special cordial makers
- 1800s: Families made cordials at home
- Today: People make cordials for fun and health
Herbal Cordials in Different Countries
Many places have their own cordial drinks:
- Italy: Limoncello from lemons
- France: Cassis from black currants
- England: Elderflower cordial
- Sweden: Fläderblomssaft (also elderflower)
- Middle East: Rose cordials
Starting an Herb Garden for Cordials
Growing your own herbs is fun and helps make better cordials. You need:
- Pots or garden space
- Good soil
- Seeds or small plants
- Water
- Sun
Easy herbs to grow:
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Basil
If you have limited kitchen space, you can still grow herbs in windowsill pots!
Non-Alcoholic Options
If you don’t want to use alcohol, you can make syrup instead:
- Use 2 parts water, 1 part sugar
- Heat until sugar melts
- Add herbs
- Cool, then keep in fridge
- Use within 2-3 weeks
Host a Cordial Tasting Party
When you make different cordials, you can have a tasting party:
- Small cups for each kind
- Cards to write what you think
- Snacks that go well with cordials
- Games about plants
Cooking with Cordials
Your cordials can be used in cooking too:
- Drizzle on cakes
- Mix in fruit salad
- Use in salad dressing
- Add to sauces for meat
Herbal Cordial Recipe Cards
Here’s a simple mint cordial recipe card you can copy:
Mint Cordial Recipe
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 cups vodka (adult only)
- Put in jar
- Shake daily
- Wait 3 weeks
- Strain and enjoy!
FAQs About Herbal Cordials with Alcohol
Q: How long do cordials last? A: Most last 6-12 months in a cool, dark place.
Q: Can I use dried herbs? A: Yes, but use less (about half the amount).
Q: Do I need special bottles? A: No, but dark glass works best.
Q: Can kids drink cordials with alcohol? A: Not directly – they need to be very diluted or used in cooking where alcohol cooks off.
Q: Where can I find herb plants? A: Garden stores, markets, or grow from seeds.
Herb and Alcohol Pairing Guide
| Herb | Best Alcohol |
| Mint | Vodka |
| Lemon herbs | Vodka |
| Berries | Brandy |
| Spices | Rum |
| Flowers | Vodka |
Final Thoughts on Making Herbal Cordials
Making herbal cordials is a fun way to learn about plants and cooking. With an adult’s help, you can create tasty drinks that change with each season. Start with easy recipes, then try your own mixes!
For more kitchen fun, check out these easy recipes for beginners or explore ways to make your kitchen work better.
