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Peach Cordial

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15 minutes
Prep
20 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 1 kg ripe peaches, stoned and roughly chopped
  • 300 g (1 1/2 cups) sugar
  • 500 ml (2 cups) water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Still or sparkling water, to dilute for serving

Method

  1. Combine the peaches, sugar and water in the saucepan.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, mashing the peaches occasionally, until very soft and pulpy.
  3. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool slightly.
  4. Blend or mash thoroughly, then strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
  5. Pour the strained cordial into a clean bottle or jug and refrigerate until fully chilled.
  6. To serve, dilute about 1 part cordial with 3–4 parts still or sparkling water over ice.

Introduction: Drawing on Lesotho's productive lowland peach orchards, households make a simple homemade peach cordial from ripe or slightly overripe fruit, diluted with water and served chilled during the hot summer months, especially when the peach harvest brings a seasonal glut of fruit that would otherwise go to waste.

Cultural Background: Drawing on Lesotho's productive lowland peach orchards, households make a simple homemade peach cordial from ripe or slightly overripe fruit, diluted with water and served chilled during the hot summer months, especially when the peach harvest brings a seasonal glut of fruit that would otherwise go to waste.

Tips: Slightly overripe, very fragrant peaches actually give the best flavour and are a good way to use up soft fruit. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the peaches used.

Variations: A cinnamon stick added during simmering gives a warm, spiced version. A few fresh mint leaves stirred in just before serving add a refreshing lift. Already vegetarian and vegan as written.

Storage: Refrigerate the undiluted cordial in a sealed bottle for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating: Not applicable — served chilled or over ice.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned peaches?

A: Yes, in the off-season, drained canned peaches in juice (not heavy syrup) work well; reduce the added sugar accordingly.

Q: How long does the cordial keep?

A: Refrigerated and well-sealed, it keeps for about 2 weeks.

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