Imagine a drink so enchanting, it transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our Slow Cooker Blackberry Hibiscus Cordial is not just a beverage—it's a liquid masterpiece that combines the deep, rich flavors of blackberries with the tangy, floral notes of hibiscus. This isn't just another summer drink; it's a sensory journey that will transport you to a world of vibrant tastes and refreshing sensations. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or seeking a sophisticated homemade refreshment, this cordial promises to be your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Drink
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup hibiscus flowers
- 1.5 cups sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh blackberries, 4 cups of water, 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers,
- 5 cups of sugar, and the juice of 1 lemon. Ensure that your slow cooker is clean and ready for use.
- Rinse the blackberries under cool running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed blackberries and dried hibiscus flowers. This mixture will form the base of your cordial.
- Pour 4 cups of water into the slow cooker over the blackberry and hibiscus mixture. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4 hours. This slow cooking process will help to extract the flavors from the blackberries and hibiscus flowers.
- After 4 hours of cooking, carefully remove the lid and use a slotted spoon to strain out the solid ingredients, pressing down on the blackberries and hibiscus flowers to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Once you have strained the mixture, return the liquid to the slow cooker. Add
- 5 cups of sugar and the juice of 1 lemon to the strained liquid.
- Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can set the slow cooker to the 'keep warm' setting for a few minutes if needed to help dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, taste your cordial. If you'd like it sweeter, you can add more sugar to your preference, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Allow the cordial to cool slightly before transferring it to bottles or jars for storage. The cordial can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- To serve, mix the cordial with sparkling water, lemonade, or your favorite spirit over ice. Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Blackberry Hibiscus Cordial!
Tips
- Choose Fresh, Ripe Blackberries: The quality of your fruit dramatically impacts the cordial's flavor. Look for plump, deep-colored berries without any mold or soft spots.
- Use High-Quality Dried Hibiscus Flowers: For the most intense flavor, source organic, whole dried hibiscus flowers from specialty stores or online retailers.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your slow cooker on low heat to gently extract flavors without burning the ingredients.
- Straining Technique: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for the smoothest possible cordial, ensuring no seeds or flower particles remain.
- Sugar Adjustment: Taste as you go! The sweetness can be customized to your preference, so add sugar gradually.
- Storage Tip: Store your cordial in sterilized glass bottles for maximum freshness and to preserve its vibrant color.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond mixing with sparkling water, try this cordial in cocktails, as a sorbet base, or even in salad dressings for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
