Ingredients:

  • 4 large sprigs (about 30g) Fresh Rosemary, roughly chopped
  • 8 small sprigs (about 15g) Fresh Thyme, leaves primarily
  • Zest of 2 large lemons (avoiding pith)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) High-Proof Neutral Vodka (40% ABV or higher)
  • 3 cups (600 grams) Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) Filtered Water
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Additional Neutral Vodka

Instructions:

  1. Place the chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest into a large, non-reactive glass jar. Pour the 1 cup (240ml) of vodka over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place for 24 to 48 hours, shaking once or twice during this time.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar (600g). Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is crystal clear. A gentle simmer is sufficient; do not boil rapidly. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
  3. Line a fine-mesh sieve with two layers of clean muslin or cheesecloth. Pour the herbal maceration through the sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the spent herbs and zest. Squeeze the muslin gently to extract all liquid. Pour the cooled simple syrup into the bowl containing the strained herbal alcohol and stir well to combine thoroughly.
  4. Add the remaining ½ cup (120ml) of additional vodka to the cordial mixture and stir again. Pour the mixture back into a large, clean jar. Seal tightly and let the cordial rest again in a cool, dark place for 5 to 7 days. This rest allows the flavors to 'marry' and mellow.
  5. After the rest period, perform a final, very careful strain through fresh muslin cloth to ensure no sediment remains. Use a funnel to decant the cordial into sterilised, airtight bottles. Label clearly with the date.