More About Cordials
Our Cordials collection is the French syrup shelf: grenadine, mint, strawberry, peach, violet, orgeat, mojito, cherry, blackcurrant and citrus syrups from Teisseire, Frucci, Moulin de Valdonne, La Maison Guiot, La Gosse and Nos Régions, plus Pulco citrus concentrates and organic syrups from Bio Village. Epicerie Corner delivers these French sirops across the UK.
Sirops: a French Tradition
In France, a bottle of sirop is a staple of every family kitchen. Mixed with cold water, it makes the sirop à l'eau that children drink at the goûter and that adults order at the café terrace on a hot day. Each family has its favourites: bright red grenadine, cool green mint (menthe), strawberry, peach or lemon. Some flavours are more traditional, such as orgeat, an almond syrup used in the anise drink called a mauresque, or violet, a floral syrup from the south of France. Syrups are also used in café drinks such as the diabolo, a syrup topped with lemonade, the menthe à l'eau and the tango (beer with grenadine), and in cocktails, desserts and baking.
Syrups in Our Range
Teisseire
Teisseire, a syrup maker founded in the Grenoble area in the eighteenth century, is known for its metal canisters. Our range includes Teisseire Organic Grenadine and classic grenadine, spearmint, lemon, lime, cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, peach, passion fruit, pink grapefruit and mojito, Mega 1.3L formats in lemon, mint and iced-tea peach, and a sugar-free grenadine.
Frucci
Frucci syrups cover grenadine, mint (including a Mega 1.3L), strawberry, raspberry, peach, exotic fruit, orange, lemon, lime, pink grapefruit, mojito and orgeat, in 75cl and 1L bottles.
Moulin de Valdonne
Moulin de Valdonne makes syrups with simple, generous recipes: grenadine, mint, strawberry, red fruit, white peach, peach-apricot, lemon, lime, orgeat and violet.
La Maison Guiot and La Gosse
For more gourmet flavours, La Maison Guiot offers woodland strawberry, strawberry and elderflower, white peach, cherry, blackberry-blackcurrant, grenadine and violet. La Gosse makes artisanal blackcurrant, raspberry and violet syrups.
Regional and Organic Syrups
Nos Régions strawberry syrup from Plougastel in Brittany and violet syrup from the Alpes-Maritimes; Bio Village organic grenadine and strawberry syrups and organic lemon concentrate.
Citrus Concentrates and Others
Pulco lemon, lime, lime-mint, orange-lemon and citrus concentrates; Sport syrups in lemon, peach and iced tea; and an aniseed syrup.
Syrups for Every Occasion
French syrups follow the rhythm of family life. In summer, a jug of mint or grenadine with ice is the standard drink for children playing outside, at picnics and on holiday. At birthday parties, a row of bottles lets each child mix their own colour. Adults reach for syrups too: a lime or mojito syrup with sparkling water makes an alcohol-free aperitif, and orgeat or violet adds a touch of the south to a glass of lemonade. In winter, a spoonful of syrup in hot water or tea is a comforting alternative to a hot chocolate. Because a single bottle makes many glasses, syrups are also an economical way to offer something other than plain water at every meal.
How to Choose a Syrup
- For children: grenadine, strawberry or mint, the French classics.
- For something refreshing: mint, lime or mojito with sparkling water.
- For cocktails: orgeat, mojito, grenadine and violet.
- For a gourmet touch: La Maison Guiot or regional syrups like Plougastel strawberry and Alpes-Maritimes violet.
- Less sugar: Teisseire sugar-free grenadine.
- Organic: Bio Village and Teisseire organic.
- Families: Mega 1.3L formats are the most economical choice for daily use.
How to Serve French Syrups
As a guide, mix one part syrup with about seven parts cold water and adjust to taste; follow the dilution on each bottle. Try a few French café classics:
- Diabolo menthe: mint syrup topped with lemonade and ice.
- Diabolo grenadine: grenadine with lemonade, a children's favourite.
- Menthe à l'eau: mint syrup with cold still water.
- Violet lemonade: a dash of violet syrup in sparkling water or lemonade.
- Desserts: drizzle strawberry or violet syrup over ice cream, or use syrup to soak a sponge cake or flavour whipped cream and yoghurt.
Syrups keep well thanks to their sugar content; wipe the neck and close the bottle tightly after use and follow the storage advice on the label. For lemon and lime, see Citrus Cordials, and for juices, Citrus Juices.
Cordial FAQs
What is orgeat syrup?
Orgeat (sirop d'orgeat) is a sweet syrup flavoured with almond, often with a hint of orange blossom. In France it is mixed with water, used in the mauresque (pastis with orgeat) and in cocktails such as the mai tai.
What is a diabolo?
A diabolo is a French café drink made with a flavoured syrup and lemonade. Diabolo menthe (mint) and diabolo grenadine are the most popular.
What does violet syrup taste like?
Violet syrup has a delicate, floral and slightly sweet flavour and a pale purple colour. It is a speciality of the south of France and is used in drinks, cocktails and desserts.
Do syrups need to be refrigerated after opening?
Most syrups keep well in a cool cupboard once opened thanks to their high sugar content, but some brands recommend refrigeration and a maximum period after opening. Follow the instructions on each bottle and keep the cap clean and closed.
How much syrup should I use?
Most syrups are diluted at about one part syrup to seven parts water, but strength varies by brand. Check the label and adjust to taste.