A lot of bartenders out there adopt the fresh-lime-juice-and-sugar method of making lime cordial. While it’s a really nice idea, fresh lime juice and sugar in no way captures the tartness and bitterness of a proper lime cordial. Other recipes out there call for fresh lime zest, which is definitely a step in the right direction, yet I still found something missing from those recipes.
I didn’t want this to take a lot of time steeping, or require a bunch of special equipment like an immersion circulator, Rotovap, or any of that nonsense: you shouldn’t need to have some sort of chemistry lab to make a freaking syrup. This should feel like you’re baking, not working in a factory.
So here’s the recipe I’ve landed on. It satisfies all of the above requirements, and when tasted side-by-side with Rose’s it still captures the intent of Rose’s while improving greatly upon it.
Grate some lime peel. It’s about one large or two small limes’ worth of peel. Get yourself a microplane. I use mine all the time and they’re cheap.
I’ve always had a pretty serious dilemma with the Gimlet. On one hand, I’ve never really been in love with fresh lime juice Gimlets. There, I’ve said it. But for me, they’ve always lacked this bracing, bitter, tart edge that a Gimlet made with Rose’s Lime has. Those qualities have always stuck in my head as a sort of yardstick for what a Gimlet should taste and feel like, and fresh lime juice and sugar just don’t quite get the drink all the way there.
Easy Lime Cordial (Natural Rose’s Lime)
Is lime good for Roses?
Well, lime is often used to raise the pH of the soil, making it more alkaline. This can be beneficial for roses, as they prefer slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-6.8 or even 7.0). Lime can also help to loosen compacted soils, making it easier for roots to spread and grow. However, too much lime can make the soil too alkaline and actually harm roses.
What is the best type of lime?
Key Lime is considered to be the best tasting lime. Key Lime is one of the most typical varieties of limes. It has a more yellow shade on the skin than most other limes, and its acidic juice is high quality with a sweet and sour flavor.
What is rose’s lime juice?
Rose’s lime juice, often known simply as Rose’s, is a sweetened concentrated fruit juice patented in 1867. This was the world’s first commercially produced fruit concentrate.
When should I lime my Roses?
Lime can be applied at any time, but it is best to do it in early Spring or Fall. This gives the lime time to work into the soil before roses start actively growing in spring. For roses in containers, you can lime the potting mix every few months to keep the pH in check.