We're now well into May, and so far there's little sign of the sun. But we're an optimistic bunch here at Country Life, so we decided to taste five different cordials and find out which of them makes the perfect summer drink. Cheers!
Belvoir Raspberry & Rose Cordial, £3.84 (www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk)
Deliciously thirst-quenching topped up with still water, or you could add a few drops to a glass of fizz for a sophisticated sundowner. Belvoir's world-beating Elderflower Cordial also peps up a gin and tonic nicely. 3.5/5
Norfolk Cordial Redcurrant and Grapefruit, £3.95 from Good Life Homebrew Centre (www.goodlifehomebrew.com) (www.norfolkcordial.com)
Seriously fruity and a beautiful colour, though perhaps a touch over-sweet. Ideal for cocktails. 3/5
Rocks Organic Fiery Ginger, £3.49 from Ocado (www.ocado.com)
The Famous Five would have been all over this one. It's full of zip and zing, and pleasingly spicy, thanks to the inclusion of chilli powder in the recipe. (www.rocksorganic.com) 4.5/5
Hedgerow Cordials Rhubarb and Ginger, £3.50 (www.hedgerowcordials.co.uk)
A best-of-British flavour combination: not too sharp and not too sweet. Dilute well with sparkling water and serve in a jug with plenty of ice. 3/5
Thorncroft Cordial Wild Nettle Cordial, £22.50 for a case of six 37.5cl bottles (www.jameswhite.co.uk)
Country Life's Editor Mark Hedges was wowed by this one, and super-stylish Luxury Retail Editor Hetty Chidwick pronounced it to be her favourite, too. Aromatic, complex and genuinely refreshing, this was a hit. 4.75/5
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