Homemade Rhubarb Cordial Lemon (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Syrup Base

01 - 1 kg fresh rhubarb stalks, trimmed and cut into small pieces
02 - 540 ml water
03 - 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped (optional) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
05 - 300 g granulated sugar

# Instructions:

01 - Trim and cut the rhubarb stalks into small pieces.
02 - Combine chopped rhubarb and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the rhubarb is very soft.
03 - Pour the cooked mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan, pressing firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard or reserve the solids.
04 - If using a vanilla pod, add both seeds and pod to the saucepan with the strained liquid. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and granulated sugar.
05 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring regularly, until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Remove the vanilla pod if used.
06 - Pour the hot cordial into a sterilized jar, seal tightly, and allow to cool at room temperature.
07 - To serve, dilute 1 part syrup with 4 parts cold water or sparkling water and add ice cubes to taste.

# Notes:

01 - Reserve strained rhubarb pulp to stir into yogurt or oatmeal, reducing kitchen waste.
02 - Adjust the cordial’s sweetness or tartness by varying sugar or lemon quantities in future preparations.
03 - Always sterilize your storage jar thoroughly for longer shelf life and freshness.