Keto Summer Strawberry Cordial

A cordial is a fruit syrup you dilute in the glass. This one is made by simmering sliced strawberries with water and erythritol for about 10 minutes, then stirring in lemon juice and vanilla, straining out the solids and chilling the liquid. To serve, pour about 1/4 cup over ice and top it up with sparkling water or club soda. The recipe makes 4 servings, with 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes on the stove, and each serving has about 2 grams of carbohydrates.

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The total time is 1 hour 20 minutes, most of it the chill in the refrigerator.

What Goes in the Saucepan

• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): the flavor and the red color. Ripe, bright red, fragrant berries make a sweeter cordial.
• Water (1 cup): draws the flavor out of the strawberries as they simmer.
• Erythritol (1/2 cup): the sweetener. You can use stevia or monk fruit instead. Start with less and add more if you want it sweeter.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): adds a warm note.
• Ice and sparkling water or club soda: for serving.

Fresh mint leaves added during the simmer give a more intense flavor.

Simmering, Straining, Chilling

Put the strawberries, water and erythritol in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring now and then so the sweetener dissolves. Turn the heat down and simmer for about 10 minutes. The strawberries break down into a vivid red liquid, and the mixture thickens slightly.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla. Let it cool to room temperature, then pour it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container. Strain it well so the cordial is smooth. Chill it for at least 1 hour before serving.

Variations

• Other berries: raspberries, blackberries or blueberries, alone or mixed.
• Citrus: add a splash of orange or lime juice along with the lemon.
• Herbs: simmer a few sprigs of mint, basil or rosemary with the berries.
• Heat: a pinch of cayenne or a slice of fresh ginger during the simmer.
• Flavored sweetener: a vanilla or caramel keto sweetener adds another layer of taste.
• Frozen: pour the cordial into ice pop molds and freeze for a few hours.

What to Serve With It

The cordial goes with savory snacks. A cheese platter of cheddar, gouda and brie with olives works, as do cucumber, bell pepper and celery sticks with ranch or guacamole. A charcuterie board with salami, prosciutto, nuts and low-carb crackers gives a salty contrast. Grilled shrimp skewers and a salad of greens, berries, feta and a light vinaigrette are heavier options, and halved avocados filled with tuna or chicken salad make a low-carb plate. If you want a second drink, sparkling water with lime is simple.

Nutrition per Serving

One serving has about 30 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates and no fat, fiber, sugar or protein.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw them before cooking so they release their juices.

How long does the cordial keep?

Up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A glass container with a tight lid works well.

Can I make it without erythritol?

Yes. Stevia and monk fruit both work. Adjust the amount to the sweetness you want.

What can you do with leftover cordial?

Use it as a syrup on pancakes, drizzle it over low-carb desserts or blend it into smoothies.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us