Fresh as Intended
Did you know that there is such a thing as a kola nut? And that tonic water was originally a medicinal drink against malaria? The men behind Amsterdam-based DD Cordials know everything—absolutely everything—about syrup. And they make it too: for mixing into lemonade, soft drinks and cocktails.
Leslie Dronkers and Sjoerd Spoelstra are the men behind DD Cordials. They began their search for exotic ingredients and forgotten recipes in 2014. At the time, Sjoerd was working on an authentic cola syrup for post-mix machines. Leslie, meanwhile, was selling a whole lot of home made elderflower syrup from his stall at the Noordermarkt. And at café De Ceuvel, where the syrup also sold out in record time.
Lemonade Empire
As the two began receiving more and more enquiries from Amsterdam’s hospitality industry, they decided to build a lemonade empire together. Leslie: “The revival of craft beers and microbreweries was in full swing, and we noticed that there was at least as much interest in new non-alcoholic drinks and alternatives to Coca-Cola. Strangely enough, little was being done with this in the Dutch gastronomic scene, so we jumped into that gap.”
For cocktails with Leslie and Sjoerd’s cordials, head to Door 47.
Spiced Cola
With their syrups, Leslie and Sjoerd return to the origins of soft drinks, before the major brands took over. “We make syrups as they were originally conceived. Or at least, that is what we strive for. Our cola syrup, for example, with ingredients such as mace and balsamic vinegar, has a much more spiced flavour. It also contains kola nut. You won’t find that in supermarket cola anymore,” says Leslie.
DD Cordials’ range now consists of fourteen syrups, which you can use to make your own lemonade (with water), soft drinks (with sparkling water) and cocktails. From classics such as cola, orange soda, bitter lemon and tonic to Darjeeling iced tea, rhubarb vinaigrée and lemongrass-ginger syrup.
New Flavours
To create authentic recipes, the lemonade makers carry out endless research. From old French booklets to the Gastronomic Library in Amsterdam and articles in Lucky Peach. Leslie: “We read everything we can get our hands on and constantly experiment with new flavours. At the moment, for example, we are working with cascara, the caffeine-containing skin of the coffee cherry. And this summer we are launching two new syrups.”
The first is a maté-ginseng syrup: a popular, sugar-free energy drink with South American roots. A Lapsang iced tea—made with smoked tea—is also being added to the range.
Feeling Thirsty?
We understand. DD Cordials’ syrups are available (both in-store and online) from Sterk and Lindenhoff. In Amsterdam, you can also enjoy a glass of soft drink for grown-ups at places including De Ceuvel and Noorderlicht. For cocktails with Leslie and Sjoerd’s cordials, head to Door 47.
Or, of course, you can make a delicious drink with them yourself. The ‘Vlieder’, for example, Leslie’s favourite summer drink. Mix 1 part elderflower syrup with 5 parts sparkling water. You now have elderflower soft drink. Add the same amount of pear cider and you have something fantastic.
Words:
Renée Conradi
Images:
