Have you ever heard of squash? Not the vegetable, but the concentrated syrup made from fruit, sugar, and water. Squash (also called cordial) can be made from just about any fruit you like…I happen to love cherries and had half a bag in my freezer leftover from when I made this chicken dish. It was an unseasonably hot pre-summer day and I couldn’t imagine a better way to cool off than with this refreshing drink.
Since cordials are very sweet and thick, the syrup should be diluted with water to taste. I added sparkling water for a little fizz, but still water is fine if you prefer.
Cherry Cordials
(Yield: About 3 cups concentrated cherry syrup to be mixed with water to taste)
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen sweet black cherries, pitted (thawed if frozen)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Chilled sparkling or still water, to taste
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat; bring up to a boil (stirring occasionally), then turn off heat and cool.
Add cherries and sugar syrup to a blender or food processor and process until completely smooth. Strain cherry syrup through a fine mesh sieve; chill.
Mix syrup with chilled water to taste and serve.
Susan says
I hadn't heard of that kind of squash before! Your cherry cordials look beautiful and delicious. I'd love one with some sparkling wine :)
Stevie says
So that's what they mean in Harry Potter when the jelly bean tastes like cherry cordial! Sparkling water sounds perfect. Or maybe an inexpensive sparkling wine if you're feeling especially festive.
Could this work with any berry, do you think? I can imagine lovely blackberry cordial, for example.
grace says
this looks SO refreshing! i've never heard squash used in that context--thanks for the info and great recipe!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
That looks wonderfully refreshing Faith! :D I love real cherry flavour and I think this would be so gorgeous on a hot Summer's Day or heated up for Winter :)
Carolyn Jung says
Wow, now that's a squash that would be relaxing from the first sip. And I don't think you can name many other squashes that would make you feel that way from the first bite. LOL
chopinandmysaucepan says
This would be great for summer. I like the deep red colour!:)
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says
I've heard of cordials, but not squash! This looks beautiful, though. I love the color that the cherries give it. I have some frozen cherries that I may just have to "squash!"
Suparna Sarkar says
hi faith,
The colour of the concentrate is awesome, we love juices at our place, cherry seems to be a brilliant idea:P
pachecopatty says
Hi Faith, I love cooking projects like this one-especially when it works out to use up ingredients like your frozen cherries. The color of your cordial is beautiful and it does look refreshing;-)
Jessie says
I've heard of cordials, but I've never heard of squash! Learn something new here all the time :) I love cherries, AND the weather here has been unseasonably hot ... hmmm ... I see some cherry cordial in my future ;)
Have a wonderful week, Faith!!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
I've never heard it called squash, but a squash or cordial, especially a luscious cherry one, is the perfect antidote to a hot, summer's day!
Raina says
This must taste heavenly. I have never heard of this, but it sounds like the perfect drink on a hot summer day. I love the idea to use sparkling water. Thanks for sharing it:)
LeQuan says
No, I've never heard of squash before. Thank you for introducing me to it. This drink looks refreshing and full of flavours. I'd love to a glass right now.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
I have the store bought lime and grenadine cordials in the fridge. but making my own like this is very cool. Cherries are a fave too. Great idea and can be made with any favorite fruit! Chin chin
Maria @ Scandifoodie says
What a great idea! This would make a fantastic non-alcoholic drink for parties!
Blond Duck says
My mom would love these!
Dana says
This is perfect for the warm weather we're finally having! Sounds delicious!
Joanne says
Squash, I've never heard of, but cordials! You bet! These must have been SO refreshing!
Sweet Artichoke says
Your pictures are gorgeous and this squash sounds delightful! Love cherries :-)
Ambreen says
Ahhh!I love it! Mango & Orange squash are quite popular here, but this one looks absolutely wonderful.
Angie's Recipes says
Now I know this is squash. It looks so tempting.
Anna Johnston says
Gorgeous colours with this beautiful cherry cordial Faith, lovely pics.
Veronica says
Absolutely stunning photos, Faith! This definitely does sound refreshing, especially with the weather suddenly heating up around here.
Monet says
Oh how refreshing this is...I love cherries, and I'm so glad that this fruit is coming into season! I can't wait to give this recipe a try. Thank you so much for sharing this deliciousness...I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow. Hugs from Austin!
Lu @ A Mix of it All says
That looks really good. I love the vibrant color. I might have to water in down a bit though. I'm assuming it's ok to add a little vodka?
Reeni says
I was under the false assumption that a cordial was made of alcohol! I can't wait to make this with the fresh cherries that will be hitting the markets soon!
anh says
so clever and I can't tell you how I love the idea!
Lisa says
I've never had this, but I want it!
Simply Life says
No, I've never heard of this! So good to know!
Juliana says
Wow, this cherry drink looks delicious, so refreshing and full of taste. Love the vibrant color of it. Have a great week ahead Faith :-)
BeadedTail says
I learned something new today too! I thought cordials were chocolates so I was way off! This looks really good probably because I love cherries too.
Victoria says
Definitely a great refreshing drink on a warm day. Cherries are an excellent choice here. Love the glassware too.
coco says
squash is a syrup? woo... something new to learn :)
i love cherries, this looks really good!
Betty Bake says
this looks so delicious and cherries are my ALL time Favorite!!!
:) have a fab day
Betty Bake x
aipi says
Absolutely delectable n exotic ~ I am a BIG cherry lover too :) Thanks for the great idea n recipe!
US Masala
Rosa says
So refreshing and delicious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
It looks so good, I love cherries! What a nice idea to make a cordial.
5 Star Foodie says
I always have cherries in my freezer, from my mom, and would love to make these delicious cordials!
Heavenly Housewife says
Squash is very popular in England- though i hadn't heard of it before I came to this country. I have to say, I am not a juice drinker, but you did such a beautiful job with this, it looks so lovely.
*kisses* HH
Erica says
I've heard of cordials before but never knew what they were! This sounds awesome. I have a bundle of frozen blackberries and am thinking this may be the perfect use for them!! Hope you have a nice Monday