Lemon Barley Cordial
When life hands you lemons, go old school and make Lemon Barley Cordial.
Bright with fresh lemon and gently rounded by the barley, it’s a wonderfully old-fashioned drink to enjoy while pretending Winter is behind you
INGREDIENTS
4 medium lemons, zest and juice
250g pearl barley
1.5 litres water
500g raw sugar
2 tsp citric acid
DIRECTIONS
Peel the lemon zest in thin strips using a potato peeler.
Juice lemons and set aside for later (you need approx 200ml juice)
Rinse the barley and put in a large saucepan with the water & lemon zest.
Bring mixture to the boil, lower heat and simmer with the lid on for 40 minutes.
Strain the barley water into a large bowl and then return to the pan.
Add the sugar, lemon juice and citric acid. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour cordial into hot, sterilised bottles and seal.
TO SERVE:
Serve cordial topped up with still or sparkling water or soda, using approximately one part cordial to 4 parts water, or to taste.
Garnish with a sprig of mint (optional).
NOTES:
Keep the cooked barley and turn it in a hearty salad with some roasted vegetables and tangy dressing.
Store cordial in refrigerator once opened