Wild Blackberry Cordial

The other day I read about elderberry cordial, which is essentially a non-alcoholic fruit syrup that is delicious when added to sparkling water. Since there are tons of wild blackberries available around the area (as previously mentioned when I made my blackberry jam),  I thought “Hey, I bet blackberry cordial would make great soda.”

It does.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups blackberries
• 2 cups sugar
• Water as needed

Directions:

In a large stock pot add berries one layer at a time and crush with a potato masher or whatever you have handy (I used a ladle but all the while I was imagining how much easier it would have been with a potato masher). Add the sugar once all berries are in and mashed, and set on high heat until mixture boils. If it’s not very soupy, then add some water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few hours until seeds start to separate from the fruit. Keep adding water if the mixture reduces and add sugar if you like it sweeter. When you have the flavour / consistency you desire, start straining it. Using a fine meshed sieve, strain out the seeds and discard. This will take a bit of time, but the end product is worth it.

Ladle finished cordial into canning jars and store in the fridge.