1.5 kg blackberries
1.5 kg damsons
500g elderberries
Sugar (600g per litre)
Citric acid to taste

You can use whatever proportions of the 3 fruits you like – blackberries have a surprisingly strong flavour.

Cook the fruit gently in a big pan with a little water until broken down to a pulp (potato masher can help). Strain through a muslin bag (or a bit of plain net curtain) for several hours. Measure the liquid, then return it to the pan and bring the liquid to the boil, leaving the wooden spoon standing in it so that it is sterile for skimming off any foam or scum that forms. Add 600g sugar for every litre of liquid. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and then add citric acid to taste (depends on the fruit – start with half a teaspoon and add gradually till it tastes right). When the liquid has come to a gentle simmer and you have skimmed it, it is ready to bottle.

3.5 kg of fruit will make about 2 – 3 litres of cordial.