Five Valleys Cordial

Stroud Valleys Cordials - is an up and coming soft drinks company, based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, which was set up by husband and wife team, Chris and Becky. The company uses the Cotswold countryside as their inspiration for their cordials which offer uniquely different flavour combinations that aim to tantalise the taste buds & mind!

There are five products in the range - Lemon & Mint, Pomegranate & Rose, Apricot & Ginger, Sloe & Raspberry and Coconut & Kaffir Lime and the cordials are all made from natural ingredients and free from artificial flavours, sweeteners, colourings or preservatives.  They are perfect to drink as a soft drink, or can be used in cocktails or other recipes.  They can be found exclusively in Waitrose or bought online for £3.50 for each 375ml bottle.

I was sent a sample of Lemon and Mint to try out.   The cordial is very thick and syrupy and it has a fresh and invigorating scent with the mint coming through. It is a really grown-up and sophisticated squash, and a perfect addition to alcoholic drinks as a cocktail ingredient.  Mojitos anyone??

The cordial came with a recipe suggestion for making a Lemon and Mint Hottie, a hot drink that is great to help combat a cold.  My girls love hot squash when they feel a cold coming on and this is a great twist on that old favourite.  The mint adds a lovely fresh zingy flavour to the drink, while the orange and lemon helps soothe the throat.  Breathing in the steam from the mug is very therapeutic!

25ml Lemon and Mint Cordial

225ml Orange Juice

2 tspn honey

Microwave the juice and cordial in a mug and stir in the honey when hot.

Find out more at www.fivevalleyscordials.co.uk