Peppermint cordial recipe needed

[smallblueplanet]

Has anyone got a peppermint cordial recipe please? The OH drinks peppermint as an aid to digestion and a 'cold' version would be good.

[Comfreyfan]

Haven't found a peppermint cordial recipe, but I have one for Nettle Syrup, I should think you could substitute mint for nettles. It says it's good with water or soda water. (The nettle one is said to purify the blood!)

1lb young nettle tops, wash and drain
1.5 pts water
white sugar

Simmer nettle tops in the water for an hour. Strain and measure the liquid and for each pint add 1lb of sugar. Return to pan, stir until sugar is dissolved, simmer for 5 mins. Pour into sterlized bottles and seal. Store in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months. Once opened store in the fridge and use within a week.

The mint's gone wild this year, think I may give it a go myself.

[smallblueplanet]

Thanks comfreyfan, might try the nettle one next year as we have a load going crazy at the bottom of the garden.

Edit - what size of nettle tops? The top 6" or less/more?

[Comfreyfan]

You usually only use the very youngest leaves, as you move down the stem they get a bit tough and less 'tastey', so probably a bit less than 6". Hold on I'll go and have a look at some mint......I think I'd go 4" down to the first big pair of leaves.

Don't think I'll spare my nettles, I cut them off and they go straight in the compost bin, although this year I'm brewing some nettles for plant feed. Everyone says it stinks, so I'm a bit worried about opening the tub!

[smallblueplanet]

....although this year I'm brewing some nettles for plant feed. Everyone says it stinks, so I'm a bit worried about opening the tub!

If it stinks like comfrey in water then it might be pretty pongy!