How to Make Grape Cordial Drink (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Grape Cordial Drink, or 'Minuman Anggur Kordial', is a beloved beverage often served chilled at Malaysian gatherings, festive open houses, and family meals. Malaysia’s vibrant food culture shines through its colourful beverages, and this grape cordial is a staple for its refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy profile. Traditionally, grape cordial is made using concentrated grape essence, sugar, and water, but with a health-conscious twist, we can create a lighter, naturally-flavored version using real grapes and aromatic local ingredients like pandan leaves. This drink is especially popular during festive seasons like Hari Raya and Deepavali, where it offers a vibrant, thirst-quenching respite from the tropical heat. The addition of pandan not only infuses a subtle fragrance but also ties this beverage to the multicultural palate of Malaysia, where Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences blend seamlessly. Perfect for those seeking a lighter, more natural refreshment, the Grape Cordial Drink is easy to prepare, vegetarian-friendly, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Its beautiful purple hue and aromatic notes make it a showstopper on any Malaysian table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh seedless grapes (anggur tanpa biji)
- 3 cups Water (air)
- 1 leaf Pandan leaf (daun pandan, knotted)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass stalk (serai, bruised)
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice (jus limau nipis)
- 2-3 tablespoons Honey (madu, or use stevia for lower calories)
- 1 cup Ice cubes (ais batu)
- A few Mint leaves (daun pudina, for garnish)
- A pinch Salt (garam)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove any stems
Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove any stems. Place the grapes in a blender.
Step 2 · Add 1 cup of water to the blender and blend until smooth
Add 1 cup of water to the blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to extract clear grape juice.
Step 3 · In a small saucepan
In a small saucepan, bring the remaining 2 cups of water to a gentle simmer with the pandan leaf and optional lemongrass stalk. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 4 · Remove the pandan and lemongrass
Remove the pandan and lemongrass. Add honey (or stevia) and a pinch of salt to the infused water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Step 5 · Combine the grape juice
Combine the grape juice, lime juice, and infused water in a large jug. Stir well and taste – adjust lime or honey if needed.
Step 6 · Chill the cordial in the fridge for at least 15 minutes
Chill the cordial in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or serve immediately over ice cubes.
Step 7 · Pour into glasses
Pour into glasses, garnish with mint leaves, and enjoy your homemade, healthy Malaysian Grape Cordial Drink!
Why this recipe is healthy
By using fresh grapes and natural sweeteners, this drink avoids artificial coloring and excess sugar found in commercial cordials. The inclusion of local ingredients like pandan and lime not only boosts flavor but also adds micronutrients. This makes it a guilt-free, hydrating option for those tracking calories or aiming to reduce processed food intake, aligning with the health goals of many Malaysians.
A note on tradition
Grape Cordial Drink is a staple at Malaysian open houses, weddings, and festive celebrations, often served alongside local kuih and snacks. While not indigenous, its popularity surged with the rise of cordials in Malaysian households, adapting to local flavors with pandan and lime. It symbolizes Malaysia’s hospitality and love for refreshing, colorful drinks, reflecting the country's rich tapestry of food traditions.