Old Fashioned CWA Lemon Cordial Recipe

The Old Fashioned CWA Lemon Cordial: A Timeless Aussie Classic

When it comes to Aussie classics, few things hit quite like an old fashioned CWA lemon cordial. This recipe isn’t just about making a drink; it’s about preserving a slice of history.

As a local who’s spent countless summers sipping on this sweet, tart delight, I can tell you—it’s more than just a refreshing beverage. It’s a ritual, one passed down from generation to generation, with a perfect balance of nostalgia and simplicity that makes it impossible to beat.

This is the kind of recipe that every true Aussie knows about, and it’s the kind of recipe that ties us to our past in the most delicious way possible.

Why the Old Fashioned CWA Lemon Cordial is a Staple

Now, for those unfamiliar with the CWA (Country Women's Association), it’s a landmark institution here in Australia, known for its community work, its baking, and of course, its timeless recipes.

The old fashioned CWA lemon cordial is just one of those things that’s been passed around by word of mouth. You’ll find it tucked away in dusty recipe books or scribbled down on index cards handed over by grandmas and aunties who know a thing or two about making simple things extraordinary.

Unlike the syrupy stuff you grab at the supermarket, this lemon cordial is real. It’s homemade goodness in a bottle—no preservatives, no fake additives, just pure zesty lemon magic. When you pour it into a glass, dilute it with a little cold water (or soda water if you’re feeling fancy), it’s like taking a sip of summer itself.

The Ingredients: Keeping It Simple

As simple as the recipe is, there’s a reason it works so well. Here’s the beauty of the CWA lemon cordial recipe: you don’t need fancy ingredients, and it’s likely you already have most of them in your kitchen.

The fresh lemons are the star, so you want to make sure you’re using quality fruit. I always go for unwaxed lemons—they give that perfect, fresh lemon zest without the waxy coating that can get in the way.

You’ll also need sugar—nothing beats the old school white sugar for that perfectly balanced sweetness. Now, I know some people like to experiment with alternatives like honey or agave, but to stay true to the recipe, I say stick to what works.

Then there’s the citric acid and tartaric acid—these aren’t always found in your typical pantry, but they’re worth sourcing. They help give the cordial that classic tartness we all love.

If you don’t have them, don’t panic; I’ll chat about substitutions in a bit.

The final ingredient is boiling water, which helps dissolve the sugar and makes the whole process incredibly quick. When it’s all combined, the result is a refreshing drink that’ll keep you coming back for more.

How to Make the Old Fashioned CWA Lemon Cordial

Here’s where the magic happens.

The process is easy, and it doesn’t take much time at all. You’ll want to start by zesting and juicing those lemons, making sure to strain the juice to get rid of any seeds (unless you’re feeling lazy and don’t mind them). It’s a bit of an arm workout, but it’s totally worth it for that fresh, tangy lemon punch.

Then, in a big bowl, you combine the lemon juice, zest, sugar, citric acid, and tartaric acid. This is where the real magic begins—when you pour that boiling water in, you’ll hear the sugar start to dissolve, and the citrus aroma fills the room. It’s that unmistakable fragrance that gets everyone in the house excited.

Once it’s all stirred together, let it cool to room temperature before straining it into sterilised bottles. Pop those bottles in the fridge, and you’ve got yourself a homemade lemon cordial that’ll last for weeks (or until you finish it, because trust me, it won’t last long).

Serving and Storing Your Lemon Cordial

Now, this is where things get fun.

You can serve your CWA lemon cordial however you like. The most traditional way is to dilute it with water (cold or sparkling), but don’t be afraid to get creative. You can use it as a mixer for cocktails (hello, lemon spritz!), or even pour it over ice cream for a quick homemade dessert. There’s nothing quite like a glass of chilled lemon cordial on a hot Aussie day.

If you’ve made a big batch and you’re worried it might go to waste, don’t stress. You can freeze the cordial into ice cube trays, which is perfect for hot days when you need a quick refreshment. And if you’ve gone a bit heavy on the sugar, you can always dial it back next time—it’s super easy to adjust to your taste.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lemon Cordial

• Lemon Selection: You want to use unwaxed lemons to avoid any unpleasant waxy coating that can make the taste a bit off. If you can, buy local or organic. The better the lemon, the better the cordial.

• Sugar Adjustments: If you find the recipe too sweet, you can reduce the sugar. Just note, that might alter the overall flavor balance, so taste as you go and tweak it to your liking.

• Citric and Tartaric Acid: These acids give the cordial that signature tartness. If you’re running low on one or both, you can substitute with cream of tartar or even lemon zest if you're in a pinch. But really, try to source them—they’re the key to the authentic taste.

• Add Some Sparkle: For an extra touch, add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a slice of ginger when serving. It brings a refreshing twist that’s perfect for entertaining.

Substituting Ingredients

While this cordial is absolutely delicious in its original form, you can certainly make some swaps if you’re after something a little different.

• Sweeteners: If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you could try using honey or agave instead of white sugar. However, these will alter the taste profile a bit, giving it a deeper sweetness that might take away from the refreshing zing.

• Flavor Variations: Try adding a few herbs to the mix. A sprig of rosemary or a handful of crushed basil can add a unique flavor dimension to your cordial.

• No Tartaric Acid? No problem! A little bit of cream of tartar can do the trick. It won’t quite match the original flavor, but it’ll still deliver a lovely, tart kick.

Why Is This Lemon Cordial So Popular?

It’s not just about the taste—it’s the nostalgia. The old fashioned CWA lemon cordial is about simplicity. There’s no need for fancy gadgets or exotic ingredients. It’s just lemons, sugar, and a little bit of patience. It’s about community too—sharing a batch of cordial at a family gathering or after a hard day of work on the farm. The CWA recipe is about sticking to what works and not overcomplicating things.

Plus, it’s practical. You can make a big batch, store it in bottles, and have a refreshing drink ready for weeks. That’s the kind of recipe I love: simple, delicious, and effective.

Remarks: A Classic That Never Goes Out of Style

If you haven’t made old fashioned CWA lemon cordial yet, I can’t recommend it enough. This recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves traditional Australian recipes and the feeling of sipping on something homemade. Whether you’re bringing it to a BBQ, serving it at a family gathering, or just keeping it in the fridge for those hot summer days, this cordial has a way of making every moment a little bit better.

As someone who grew up with it, I can tell you—it’s one of those recipes that brings people together, that evokes memories of a simpler time, and that fills your house with the most wonderful citrus aroma. And best of all, it’s a recipe that will never go out of style.