Imperial is a traditional British recipe, based on Alexis Soyer's recipe of 1849, for a classic drink made from a blend of cream of tartar, lemon juice and zest and caster sugar that's mixed with boiling water before being cooled, chilled and served. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Imperial.
(click this button to prevent the screen from sleeping so Cook Mode is 'ON')
This is a traditional British recipe redacted from Alexis Soyer's 1849 volume The modern Housewife or Ménagère, a classic Victorian cookbook.
Original Recipe
103. IMPERIAL, (a Cooling Drink for the Spring.)— Two ounces of cream of tartar, two lemons (juice and peel), four ounces of sugar; place in a stone jug, and pour about six quarts of boiling water; allow it to get cold, and bottle for use. Or, instead of sugar, add three tablespoonfuls of raspberry vinegar, and six ounces of honey. This is excellent aerated like soda water. Essence of ratafia, or any other, may be added, with about half a pint of pure spirit at proof, for those accustomed to spirits.
Modern Redaction
Ingredients
60g cream of tartar
juice of 2 lemons
grated zest of 2 lemons
110g caster sugar
6l boiling water
Method:
Mix together the cream of tartar, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar in a large bowl. Pour over the boiling water, stir to combine then cover with paper or clingfilm (plastic wrap) and set aside until completely cold.
Strain and bottle for use. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
