Hypocras -Spiced Cordial

With the nights drawing in and Christmas just around the corner there is nothing better than sipping a spiced warm drink by the fire. This recipe is ideal for adding to wine, cider, apple juice or even just water. Hypocras is supposedly a medieval drink that involved a variety of spices and sugar. This is a pared down version which uses easily available spices and makes a lighter alternative to the traditional mulling spices.

Hypocras -Spiced Cordial
Vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free

Ingredients 
600ml/21floz/2cups Water
225g/8oz White granulated sugar
4-6 Cardamon pods, crushed
1 Large piece of cinnamon, broken into smaller pieces
5cm/1inch Piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin strips

Method

• In a pan add the water and sugar and bring to the boil. Add the spices and simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave the liquid in the pan with the spices for at least a couple of hours and upto 24hrs to allow the flavours to be absorbed into the syrup.
• Strain the liquid through a piece of muslin cloth to remove all the pieces of spice and pour into hot sterilised jars or bottles. Seal and store in a cool, dark place and use within a couple of months. 
• The cordial can be added to taste wine, cider, juice or even just water (still or sparkling). It tastes good whether it served cold with ice or warmed.