Homemade Blueberry Liqueur
Flavorful and beautifully simple — a lovely way to preserve the taste of summer berries long after the season has passed!
INFUSING TIME
30 days
PREP TIME
5 min
INGREDIENTS
750 ml vodka or brandy
1 cup maple syrup
1 strip lemon peel (about 2 inches)
3 allspice berries
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 to 1 cup water, optional
EQUIPMENT
1/2 gallon glass mason jar with lid
Latex gloves
Colander
1 square foot cheesecloth
DIRECTIONS
Combine the vodka or brandy, maple syrup, lemon peel, allspice berries, vanilla, and blueberries in a large mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stir gently to combine.
Label and date the jar, then tuck it away in a cool, dry place for 30 days. Give it a gentle shake every few days as the berries slowly release their color and sweetness.
After 30 days, strain the liqueur through a colander lined with cheesecloth. Wearing gloves, squeeze the berries well to press out every last bit of deep purple juice.
Taste the liqueur. If you prefer a lighter finish, stir in a little water, beginning with ½ cup. The berries will already have released plenty of their own juices, so a little goes a long way.
When the flavor tastes just right, pour the finished liqueur into clean jars or bottles. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Serve splashed into champagne on the porch at sunset, drizzled over vanilla ice cream, folded into berry sauces, or shared in tiny glasses with friends after a long day in the fields.
Recipe inspired by Forager/Chef homemade liqueur.