To Sterilise Syrups and Cordials

Sterilise corks, caps or stoppers by keeping them in boiling water for 15 minutes. Fill the bottle using a funnel to 1½ inches/4 cm below the base of the cork or screw cap. Corks will need to be tied or wired down or the heat will force them out. Put the bottles in a deep saucepan and add water up to the base of the cork, heat the water to boiling point, cover the pan and maintain the water at a steady simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat. Use tongs to take the bottles out of the water and stand them on a wooden tray to cool. Label and store in a cool dark place.