Stinging Nettle Cordial

It’s difficult to think of nettles in anything other than savoury but I hope this recipe will change your mind . The reason I like this recipe is because I wanted to find a use for the older nettle leaves that I can’t use for eating fresh like you do with the nettle tops. This is perfect with ice, goes nicely with a G&T and with tonic water.

I will often make this with the discarded nettle leaves I won’t use for making crisps.

Ingredients:

• 200g nettle leaves.
• 500g caster sugar.
• 4 Squeezed Lemons or 4tbsp lemon juice.
• 500 ml water.

Method:

1. Put your nettles and water in a large pan and bring to the boil for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the nettles out of the liquid through a fine mesh colander or a cloth.
3. Take the strained juice and add the sugar to it.
4. Put this back on the heat and warm slowly, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
6. Allow it to cool and place in sterilised bottles.
7. Use within 6 months, once opened keep in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.
8. Enjoy with sparkling water, water or add to jellies, ice lollies to give a wild nettle flavour.