Upmarket cordials are launching thick and fast at the moment.

The latest range is the excellent Five Valleys Cordials, which come in four sophisticated varieties: Apricot & Ginger, Pomegranate & Rose, Passionfruit & Mango and Lemon & Mint (this one smashed in the post, but it smelled wonderful spilled over the desk). There are also two seasonal varieties: Sloe & Raspberry with a hint of vanilla for serving hot in winter; and Coconut & Kaffir Lime for the spring and summer.

The all-natural cordials were originally created by husband and wife team Chris and Becky Verinder-Baker at their kitchen table in the Cotswolds and sold at farmers’ markets, before Waitrose snapped them up earlier this year.

News item from Imbibe.com, 13-04-2011