History
John Noel Nichols invented Vimto in Manchester in 1908 as a herbal tonic, marketed for medicinal properties. The mix of raspberries, grapes and blackcurrants with a blend of herbs and spices was rebranded as a cordial in 1913 and became a national soft drink through the twentieth century. A statue marks the inventor's site near the University of Manchester; the cordial still ships from Manchester to the Middle East where Ramadan iftars use it.
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Make it at home
Ingredients
- 500g fresh raspberries
- 500g black grapes
- 300g blackcurrants
- 800g caster sugar
- 500ml water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 5 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 thumb fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon citric acid (food grade)
- Carbonated water to serve
Method
- Place the raspberries, grapes and blackcurrants in a heavy pot and crush coarsely with a potato masher.
- Add 500ml water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 20 minutes until the fruit is completely broken down.
- Strain through a muslin-lined sieve, pressing firmly to extract all juice. Discard the pulp.
- Return the juice to the pot. Add the sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom and ginger.
- Heat slowly, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Take off the heat, stir in the citric acid, cover, and leave to infuse at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Strain again through fine muslin into sterilised bottles.
- To serve: pour 30ml of cordial into a tall glass with ice, top with carbonated water and stir.
Tip from the editors. Use citric acid not lemon juice for shelf life; cordial keeps three months refrigerated. For Ramadan-style, dilute with cold water instead of fizz.
Where to eat vimto
Vimto in Manchester
This and That ★ 4.8
Manchester's original rice-and-three canteen on Soap Street since 1984. The Northern Quarter late-night pre-bar fuel until 19:00 daily, under ten pounds.
TryRice and three curry
Mughli Charcoal Pit ★ 4.7
Manchester's Curry Mile classic since 1991, kitchen open until 00:30 on Friday and Saturday. Charcoal lamb chops, tandoori platters, mango lassi at all hours.
TryCharcoal lamb chops
More places near This and That and Mughli Charcoal Pit
Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.
- Purezza Vegan, under 100 m away
- Federal Cafe and Bar Brunch, under 100 m away
- Federal Cafe Modern Australian, under 100 m away
- The Washhouse Cocktail bar, about 100 m away
- Common British gastropub, about 150 m away
- Mackie Mayor Street food, about 250 m away
More cities are in research. Want vimto covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.