How to Make an Herbal Cordial Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Looking for a delicious way to enjoy the natural goodness of herbs? A homemade herbal cordial is a delightful infusion that captures the essence of fresh botanicals in a sweet, flavorful drink. Whether you prefer a classic alcohol-based cordial or a non-alcoholic version, this simple recipe allows you to create a personalized blend using your favorite herbs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making an herbal cordial from scratch. You’ll learn how to select the best ingredients, balance flavors, and store your cordial for maximum freshness. Let’s dive in and start crafting your own refreshing herbal infusion!

If you love making homemade drinks, check out our Delicious Homemade Herbal Drinks for another delicious infusion

Fresh Ingredients You Need for an Herbal Cordial

A top-down view of fresh ingredients for making an herbal cordial, including mint, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, honey, sugar, maple syrup, brandy, vodka, apple cider vinegar, and glycerin, displayed on a rustic wooden kitchen counter — A selection of fresh herbs, sweeteners, and base liquids essential for crafting a homemade herbal cordial

Creating a delicious herbal cordial starts with selecting the right ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components ensures a flavorful and aromatic infusion. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

Herbs: The Heart of Your Cordial

The choice of herbs determines the overall flavor and benefits of your cordial. Some popular options include:

Mint – Refreshing and soothing, perfect for digestion.
Lavender – Floral and calming, ideal for relaxation.
Chamomile – Light and slightly sweet, known for its calming properties.
Rosemary – Earthy and slightly piney, great for boosting circulation.

Feel free to experiment with other botanicals like lemon balm, thyme, or hibiscus to create a unique blend!

Sweeteners: Balancing the Flavor

Adding a natural sweetener enhances the taste of your cordial while complementing the herbal notes. You can choose from:

Honey – Adds a rich depth of sweetness and has antibacterial properties.
Sugar – A classic option that helps preserve the cordial.
Maple syrup – A subtle, caramel-like sweetness for a unique twist.

The amount of sweetener you use depends on personal preference. If you prefer a less sugary cordial, you can reduce the quantity or skip it altogether.

Best Liquid Bases for Extracting Herbal Flavors

The base liquid extracts the flavors and medicinal properties from the herbs. You have two main options:For a family-friendly version, you can use apple cider vinegar or glycerin, both of which extract herbal benefits while offering a milder taste.

By combining these fresh ingredients, you can craft a homemade herbal cordial that’s both flavorful and beneficial. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making your Herbal

Making your own herbal cordial at home is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you’ll create a flavorful and aromatic infusion that can be enjoyed on its own or added to drinks.

Step 1: Gather Fresh Herbs and Wash Them Thoroughly

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality herbs based on your preferred flavors and benefits. Gently rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air-dry before use.

Step 2: Place the Herbs in a Jar and Add Sweetener

Take a clean glass jar and loosely fill it with your chosen herbs. Next, add your preferred sweetener—honey, sugar, or maple syrup—depending on how sweet you want your cordial. This helps balance the herbal flavors and enhances the overall taste.

Step 3: Pour Alcohol (or an Alternative) Over the Mixture and Let It Infuse

Now, pour your base liquid over the herbs and sweetener:

For a traditional cordial, use brandy or vodka—both work well to extract the herbal properties and preserve the infusion.
For a non-alcoholic version, apple cider vinegar or glycerin can be used as a substitute.

Make sure the herbs are fully submerged, then seal the jar tightly. Let the mixture infuse in a cool, dark place for at least 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally to help the flavors blend.

Step 4: Strain and Bottle Your Cordial After Infusion

Once the infusion period is complete, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the herbs. Pour the strained cordial into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

Your homemade herbal cordial is now ready to enjoy! You can sip it on its own, mix it into cocktails, or drizzle it over desserts for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store and Use Your Herbal Cordial

A close-up of a glass bottle filled with golden herbal cordial, sealed with a cork, surrounded by fresh herbs like rosemary, chamomile, and mint, along with a honey jar and a wooden spoon — A beautifully crafted herbal cordial stored in a glass bottle, accompanied by fresh herbs and honey for a rich and flavorful infusion

Once your herbal cordial is ready, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and potency.

Proper Storage for Longer Shelf Life

Store your cordial in a clean, airtight glass bottle to preserve its flavors.
Keep it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Alcohol-based cordials can last up to a year, while non-alcoholic versions should be used within a few months.

Creative Ways to Use Your Herbal Cordial

Drinks: Add a splash to cocktails, mocktails, or sparkling water.
Desserts: Drizzle over cakes, ice cream, or fruit salads for extra flavor.
Teas: Mix a small amount into hot or iced tea for a soothing herbal boost.

Shelf Life and Signs of Spoilage

Check for changes in smell, taste, or appearance. If the cordial develops an unpleasant odor or cloudiness, it’s best to discard it.

Tips for Customizing Your Herbal Cordial Recipe

Experimenting with Different Herb Combinations

Try blending different herbs to create unique flavors. For example:

Calming mix: Chamomile + lavender + lemon balm.
Refreshing blend: Mint + basil + citrus zest.
Floral touch: Rose petals + hibiscus + vanilla bean.

Adjusting Sweetness to Personal Taste

You can modify the sweetness by adding more or less honey, sugar, or maple syrup based on your preference. If you prefer a tart cordial, you can even skip the sweetener altogether.

Enjoying Herbal Cordials Without Alcohol

To create a non-alcoholic cordial, simply replace alcohol with apple cider vinegar or glycerin. This ensures that everyone, including children and those avoiding alcohol, can enjoy the cordial.