Homemade Celery Cordial: A Refreshing and Healthy Recipe

Celery cordial is a delightful and surprisingly versatile drink that’s been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Forget the bland celery sticks of your childhood – this cordial transforms the humble vegetable into a sophisticated and refreshing beverage. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, a unique cocktail ingredient, or a soothing digestive aid, celery cordial is worth exploring. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own delicious and nutritious celery cordial at home.

## What is Celery Cordial?

Celery cordial is essentially a concentrated syrup made from celery juice, sugar (or a sugar alternative), and often infused with other herbs and spices for added flavor complexity. It can be enjoyed diluted with water or sparkling water for a refreshing drink, or incorporated into cocktails for a distinctive savory note. Historically, cordials were often made for medicinal purposes, and celery cordial is no exception – it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and flavorful choice.

## Why Make Your Own Celery Cordial?

While you might find commercially produced celery cordials, making your own offers several advantages:

* **Control Over Ingredients:** You know exactly what’s going into your cordial, allowing you to choose organic celery, use a preferred sweetener, and avoid artificial additives or preservatives.
* **Customization:** You can tailor the flavor profile to your liking by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and citrus fruits.
* **Freshness:** Homemade cordial will always taste fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own cordial is often more economical than purchasing it ready-made.

## Celery Cordial Recipe

This recipe provides a basic framework for making celery cordial. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your personal taste.

**Yields:** Approximately 2 cups of cordial
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large bunch of celery (approximately 1 pound), washed thoroughly
* 1 cup granulated sugar (or equivalent amount of honey, agave nectar, or other sweetener)
* 1 cup water
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
* Optional additions:
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
* A few sprigs of fresh mint or parsley
* A small piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
* A pinch of sea salt
* The zest of one lemon or lime

**Equipment:**

* Cutting board
* Knife
* Juicer (optional, but recommended for the best juice extraction)
* Large saucepan
* Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
* Sterilized bottles or jars for storage

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Celery:**

* Thoroughly wash the celery stalks to remove any dirt or debris. Pay particular attention to the base of the stalks, where dirt tends to accumulate.
* Trim the ends of the stalks and remove any bruised or damaged pieces.
* Roughly chop the celery into 1-2 inch pieces. This will make it easier to juice.

**2. Extract the Celery Juice:**

* **Using a Juicer:** If you have a juicer, simply feed the chopped celery through the juicer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Collect the juice in a container. You should aim for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups of juice.
* **Without a Juicer:** If you don’t have a juicer, you can still extract the juice, although it will require a bit more effort. Place the chopped celery in a blender or food processor and blend until it forms a smooth puree. Then, line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the celery puree into the cheesecloth and allow the juice to drip through. You can gently press down on the puree with a spoon to extract more juice. Discard the pulp.

**3. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:**

* In a large saucepan, combine the celery juice, sugar (or sweetener of choice), water, and lemon juice.
* If using any optional additions like celery seeds, mint, parsley, or ginger, add them to the saucepan as well.

**4. Simmer the Mixture:**

* Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced slightly and thickened into a syrupy consistency. Avoid boiling the mixture vigorously, as this can scorch the sugar and affect the flavor.
* The simmering process helps to concentrate the flavors and create a richer, more intense cordial.

**5. Strain the Cordial:**

* Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cordial to cool slightly.
* Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a clean bowl.
* Carefully pour the cordial through the sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids, such as celery pulp, herbs, or spices. This step will ensure a smooth and clear cordial.
* Discard the solids.

**6. Bottle and Store the Cordial:**

* While the cordial is still warm, pour it into sterilized bottles or jars. Leave a small amount of headspace at the top of the bottle.
* Seal the bottles or jars tightly.
* Allow the cordial to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, homemade celery cordial can last for several weeks in the refrigerator.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Celery:** The flavor of your cordial will depend heavily on the quality of the celery you use. Choose firm, crisp stalks with vibrant green leaves.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the cordial can result in a bitter or burnt flavor. Simmer gently until the desired consistency is reached.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking:** The amount of sugar in this recipe is a guideline. Adjust it to your taste preferences. You can always add more sweetener after the cordial has been made.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and citrus fruits to create your own unique celery cordial flavor combinations.
* **Sterilize Your Bottles:** Sterilizing your bottles or jars is essential for ensuring a long shelf life for your cordial. You can sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by running them through a dishwasher cycle.

## Serving Suggestions

Celery cordial is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Refreshing Drink:** Dilute the cordial with water or sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy drink. Start with a ratio of 1 part cordial to 4-5 parts water and adjust to your liking.
* **Cocktail Ingredient:** Use celery cordial as a unique and flavorful ingredient in cocktails. It pairs well with gin, vodka, tequila, and even whiskey. Try it in a Celery Gin Fizz, a Celery Margarita, or a Celery Old Fashioned.
* **Mocktail Base:** Create sophisticated mocktails by combining celery cordial with other juices, herbs, and sparkling water.
* **Digestive Aid:** Celery has long been known for its digestive properties. Enjoy a small glass of celery cordial after a meal to aid digestion.
* **Salad Dressing:** Add a splash of celery cordial to your homemade salad dressings for a subtle celery flavor and a touch of sweetness.
* **Marinade:** Use celery cordial as part of a marinade for chicken or fish. The enzymes in celery can help to tenderize the meat.

## Variations and Flavor Combinations

Here are some ideas for variations and flavor combinations to inspire your own celery cordial creations:

* **Spicy Celery Cordial:** Add a pinch of chili flakes or a small piece of jalapeño pepper to the saucepan while simmering for a spicy kick.
* **Herbal Celery Cordial:** Infuse the cordial with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Citrus Celery Cordial:** Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, or lime to add a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Ginger Celery Cordial:** Add more ginger, or use candied ginger, for a spicier and warmer flavour
* **Fennel Celery Cordial:** Add a small piece of fennel bulb to the celery when juicing to give the cordial a faint aniseed flavor.
* **Apple Celery Cordial:** Add a few chopped green apples to the celery when juicing for a sweeter, more fruity flavour.
* **Celery Shrub:** Make a shrub by combining celery juice with vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar) and sugar. Shrubs have a tart and tangy flavor and are often used in cocktails.

## Health Benefits of Celery Cordial

Celery is a nutrient-rich vegetable with numerous health benefits. Celery cordial retains many of these benefits, making it a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

* **Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:** Celery is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, folate, and calcium.
* **Antioxidant Properties:** Celery contains antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
* **Anti-Inflammatory Properties:** Celery has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
* **Hydrating:** Celery is high in water content, making it a hydrating beverage.
* **Digestive Aid:** Celery can help stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.
* **May Help Lower Blood Pressure:** Some studies suggest that celery may help lower blood pressure.

## Conclusion

Homemade celery cordial is a refreshing, healthy, and surprisingly versatile drink that’s easy to make at home. By following this recipe and experimenting with different flavor combinations, you can create your own unique celery cordial that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day, mixing into cocktails, or simply enjoying as a healthy and flavorful beverage. So, ditch the sugary sodas and give this delicious and nutritious celery cordial recipe a try. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!