Blackcurrant Vodka Liqueur (Printable)

Infuse ripe blackcurrants with vodka and sugar for a deep, aromatic spirit. Ideal for sipping or cocktails.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 1.1 lbs fresh or frozen blackcurrants, stems removed

→ Spirits

02 - 25.4 oz vodka (quality neutral vodka preferred)

→ Sweetener

03 - 9-12 oz granulated sugar, adjust to taste

# Directions:

01 - Wash the blackcurrants thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Pat dry if using fresh berries.
02 - Place the blackcurrants in a large sterilized jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Add the sugar over the berries, then pour in the vodka to cover completely.
03 - Seal the jar tightly and shake gently to dissolve the sugar and distribute the berries evenly.
04 - Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Shake gently every 2-3 days to help dissolve the sugar and promote flavor extraction.
05 - Infuse for 3-6 weeks, tasting after 3 weeks. When the flavor reaches your desired intensity, strain the liqueur through a fine sieve or muslin into a clean bottle. Discard the spent berries or reserve them for baking.
06 - Seal the bottled liqueur and store in a cool, dark place. For optimal flavor development, allow to mature for an additional 2-4 weeks before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The flavor is absolutely nothing like store bought fruit liqueurs, it's got this earthy richness that makes you wonder what they're putting in the commercial stuff
  • It requires almost zero active time but makes you look like you put in serious effort
  • Perfect for using up an abundance of blackcurrants when they're in season and you've already made enough jam
02 -
  • I once used a jar that wasn't completely sterilized and ended up with a weird ferment situation, now I run everything through the dishwasher on hot first
  • The color will continue to deepen over time, don't panic if it looks lighter than expected at 3 weeks
  • Those spent berries after straining are actually amazing baked into scones or stirred into oatmeal
03 -
  • If you can only find blackberries they work too but you might want to increase the sugar slightly since they're more tart
  • A coffee filter in a sieve will give you a crystal clear finish if you're giving it as a gift
  • Write the date on the jar because I guarantee you will forget exactly when you started it
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