Go Back
Rhubarb Cordial Recipe

Rhubarb Cordial Recipe

Rhubarb cordial recipe is a sweet, tangy, and fruity syrup made by gently cooking fresh rhubarb with sugar, water, and sometimes lemon juice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 750 ml
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British
Calories: 115
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams fresh rhubarb stalks about 4 cups, chopped
  • 500 ml water
  • 300 grams sugar 1 ½ cups
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth
  • Mixing spoon
  • A jug or bowl for collecting juice
  • Clean glass bottles or jars for storing cordial
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Funnel  optional but helpful for bottling

Method
 

Step 1: Wash and chop the rhubarb
  1. Start by washing the rhubarb stalks thoroughly. Cut the ends off and then cut them into pieces that are 1 inch long. Don’t worry about being too precise here—just chop them evenly.
    Rhubarb Cordial Recipe (1)
Step 2: Cook the rhubarb
  1. Place the chopped rhubarb in a large saucepan along with water, sugar, lemon juice, and zest (if using). Stir everything together.
  2. Turn on the heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft and falling apart.
    Rhubarb Cordial Recipe, rhubarb cordial recipe jamie oliver
Step 3: Strain the liquid
  1. Now turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Place a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth over a clean jug or bowl. Pour the mixture through slowly, letting all the juice drain through.
  2. Don’t press the pulp too hard or the cordial may turn cloudy. Just let it drip naturally for the clearest liquid.
    Rhubarb Cordial Recipe, old fashioned rhubarb cordial recipe
Step 4: Bottle the cordial
  1. Once all the juice has drained, transfer the cordial into clean glass bottles or jars using a funnel. Let it cool completely before sealing.
    Rhubarb Cordial Recipe, rhubarb cordial recipe citric acid

Notes

I always store my rhubarb cordial in clean, airtight glass bottles once it has cooled completely. I keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
If I’ve made a big batch, I pour some into ice cube trays and freeze it because it’s so handy for quick drinks later. Just pop a cube into sparkling water or cocktails.