Cacao Gingersnap Cordial + Ginger Cranberry Mandrin Vinegar

A cornerstone of intentional gifting is the handmade. In its creation, a handmade gift also gives; it connects us to our creativity and helps us build our skill toolkit.

To support that spirit, Rachel recorded a free class on making a Holiday Cordial and Herbal Vinegar. These simple, beautiful preparations turn plants into something you can bottle, share, sip, or gift.

If Cyber Monday feels overwhelming, this class is for you.

If you’re craving something heartfelt and handmade, this class is absolutely for you.

Wherever you land today, may you feel supported, grounded, and connected to what really matters. Let’s build those herbal skillz friends, to nourish you and yours.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Cocoa Ginger Snap Cordial

This basic holiday cordial recipe is a starting point, so feel to tweak to your tastes as well as amounts you may have on hand. This delicious cordial balances the ‘fire in the belly’ flave of ginger with the spicy complexity of molasses. Cacao and orange bring depth and brightness.  

Ingredients: Should be approximately 1 part ingredients to about 3 or 4 parts alcohol. The more ingredients, the more intense the flavor. Remember, while medicinal this is a cordial, not a tincture!

• High proof alcohol (vodka, brandy, etc)
• Fresh ginger root
• 1 orange or seasonal citrus of choice
• Cacao nibs
• Molasses

Supplies:

• Mason jar
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Blender (nice, but not necessary)
• Sieve (once the cordial is macerated)

Directions:

Determine the amount of your alcohol and consider your herb ratio accordingly. Chop your ginger and your citrus, and add to your jar. Add the cacao nibs by the tablespoon, a small amount will bring a good amount of flavor. Cover the mixture with alcohol. To speed the process, and to amplify the ginger, add the whole mixture to a high speed blender and pulse. Pour the mixture back into your jar and let steep for at least three days. Once the cordial has reached the flavor you like, strain the mixture and add molasses by the spoonful, to taste. Stir well and bottle up, babes.

Herbal Holidaze Vinegar

This vinegar recipe is a riff on the Ginger Snap Cordial, with the addition of cranberries for those tart folk who wish for cranberries all times of the year. This versatile vinegar is lightly sweetened with orange and molasses and can be used in salad dressings, beans, or made into a shrub with a bit more sweetener or juice and sparkling water for those non-alcoholic bevs. 

Ingredients: Similar ratio here, 1 part herbs to about 4 parts vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar (or whatever culinary vinegar you prefer)
• Fresh ginger root
• 1 orange or seasonal citrus
• Cranberries 
• Molasses

Supplies:

• Mason jar
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Blender (nice, but not necessary)
• Sieve (once the vinegar is macerated)
  

Directions:

Determine the amount of your vinegar and consider your herb ratio accordingly. Chop your ginger, cranberries and citrus, and add to your jar. Cover the mixture with vinegar. To speed the process, and to amplify the flavors, add the whole mixture to a high speed blender and pulse. Pour the mixture back into your jar and let steep on the counter for a day, then transfer to the fridge for at least three days. From there taste the vinegar, and once it is to the flavor you like, strain and add the molasses to taste. Bottle up, bow tie, and you’ve got a holiday dinner party prezzie!

DOWNLOAD RECIPES HERE