Hibiscus Cordial

I became enamored with the idea of homemade cordial during a road trip up to Penticton a few weeks ago.

If you’re ever passing through the Okanagan during summer, definitely stop by the Elephant Island Winery on the Naramata Bench and bust a buck on the gorgeous cherry cordial that they serve (and get a free fruit wine tasting, too)!

Making cordial isn’t even hard — all you need is a few tools and a little patience.

For those of you unfamiliar, hibiscus is a flower with a flavour akin to cranberry, and makes a perfect summer-to-fall “transition” drink. This cordial is slightly sweet, tart, refreshing, and bought to life with a touch of warm spices and a little bit of lemon.

You can mix it up with plain ol’ water for a juice-like beverage, or you can use soda water to make your own fizzy pop — and, if you’re so inclined, you can always drop in a shot of spiced rum.