Linda McReynolds
Every now and then, a recipe wanders into your life that feels like it’s been waiting for you all along.
That’s how this one arrived – by way of my editor, Luke Osteen, who showed up for dinner at Linda and William McReynolds’ home and came away smitten.
Somewhere between dessert and deep conversation (William is our resident philosopher, after all), Linda brought out a large glass jar glowing with ruby-red berries. Inside, raspberries were steeping in vodka, slowly transforming into something sweet, smooth, and — by Luke’s account — “just as joyful as she said.”
He swears it’s not too boozy, not too syrupy — just right. And honestly, it’s beautiful enough to earn its own spot in the Christmas décor.
Linda’s recipe comes with a story, of course.
“For years we visited American friends living in Germany,” she says. “They always served raspberry cordial, and I was hooked! I thought it was some fancy European thing, but it turns out it came from a friend in upstate New York.”
The recipe went quiet for a while — until life threw her a curveball called acid reflux. “No alcohol,” she was told. But research revealed a loophole: potato vodka has a higher pH and is gentle enough to enjoy. “Vodka tonics were out — no carbonation — but then I remembered the raspberry cordial,” she laughs. “Now it’s all I drink! I bring it to parties, and it’s always a conversation starter.”
If you’re picturing something complicated, don’t. This cordial practically makes itself. All it takes is raspberries, sugar, water, and vodka—and a little patience. The mixture sits quietly for a few months, deepening in color and flavor, until it’s ready to strain and bottle.
“I usually have a batch going,” Linda says. “Sometimes I drink or give away all of one before the next is ready. It makes such a lovely Christmas or hostess gift.”
And yes, there’s a literary twist. Anne of Green Gables famously served her friend raspberry cordial — only to send her home tipsy. “I always think of that,” Linda says with a grin. “Mine’s not quite that strong — but it does make people happy!”
So here’s a thought for December: line up a few glass jars on your counter, fill them with raspberries, and let them rest while winter does its thing.
By Valentine’s Day, you’ll have a batch of crimson cordial ready to share — and a story that’s every bit as good as the drink itself.
Raspberry Cordial
Recipe by Linda McReynolds
Ingredients
2 quarts fresh raspberries
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 quart vodka (preferably potato-based)
Directions
Dissolve sugar in water and stir in vodka. Place raspberries in a glass or ceramic gallon container and pour the liquid over them. Seal and let stand for 2–4 months (Linda goes the full four). Strain gently through cheesecloth several times, bottle, and seal. Makes about a half-gallon.
Sweet, spirited, and just a little mischievous — exactly how the holidays should be.
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