• Spotlight On - Homemade Liqueur

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• Cocktail Corner - Cherry Liqueur, Step by Step

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Spotlight On - Homemade Liqueurs
Crafting Liquid Bliss

Home crafting liqueurs is easy, fun, and produces delicious results with little effort. From the ancient alchemists seeking the elixir of life to modern-day hobbyists experimenting in their kitchens, the practice of infusing spirits with fruits, herbs, and spices spans centuries and continents. 

Somewhere far in the distant past, our ancestors experimented with the power of spirits infused with botanicals. Sometimes for medicinal purposes, such the Monks of medieval Europe who concocted herbal remedies. and more often than not, just for fun. As spice traders brought new and exotic flavors, experimentation expanded. Cinnamon, vanilla, cloves…. it was all fair game.

Today, the possibilities are as endless as the imagination. Whether you're drawn to the warmth of spiced rum, the vibrancy of citrus-infused vodka, or the herbaceous complexity of gin, there's a homemade liqueur waiting to be crafted to suit every taste and occasion.

Let's start with vodka, a blank canvas just waiting to be painted with flavor. Infusing vodka with fruits like berries, citrus, or tropical flavors such as pineapple or mango adds a burst of freshness and sweetness, transforming a humble spirit into a tantalizing elixir. For a touch of sophistication, try infusing vodka with herbs like lavender, rosemary, or basil, creating a fragrant concoction perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails.

But why stop at vodka? Gin, with its botanical complexity, lends itself beautifully to homemade infusions. Experiment with juniper berries, citrus peels, and spices like coriander, cardamom, and peppercorns to create your signature blend of botanical bliss. The beauty of homemade gin lies in its versatility; play with different flavor profiles until you find the perfect balance of botanicals to suit your palate.

You can also use rum and play with its warm, caramel sweetness. Infuse rum with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and cloves or experiment with tropical fruits like coconut, pineapple, and passion fruit for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile..

The beauty of homemade liqueurs lies not only in their versatility but also in the sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something truly unique. Plus, It’s really fun. Whether you're crafting a batch of limoncello for a summer drink or blending spices to create a warming winter liqueur.

Crafting homemade liqueurs is wonderfully simple and rewarding. To get started, all you need are a few basic ingredients, a bit of patience, and a sense of adventure. Begin by selecting your desired base spirit—whether it's vodka, rum, gin, or another favorite. Next, gather your chosen flavorings such as fresh fruits, herbs, spices, or even coffee beans. Sugar is often called for, especially for fruit liqueurs, but is not strictly required by any means. Combine your ingredients in a clean glass jar or container, seal it tightly, and let time work its magic as the flavors meld and develop. Keep it in a cupboard for a few weeks or let it continue to develop for over six months. Patience is indeed rewarded in this game.

So why not give it a try and become a modern day alchemist yourself? Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. It can become quite the hobby. And the best part is that homemade liqueur makes an excellent gift!

Cocktail Corner

Instead of a cocktail this week, we have specific instructions for a sweet cherry liqueur. But feel free to use whatever fruit you have. Well… not tomatoes. That might be too weird.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh cherries, pitted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 vanilla bean (optional)

• 750ml vodka (I usually use Tito’s)

• Clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid

Let’s Make It!

Preparation: Start by thoroughly washing and pitting the cherries. Make sure they are ripe and free from any blemishes.

Infusion: Place the pitted cherries in the clean glass jar or bottle. If you're using the vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the jar with the cherries.

Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a simple syrup. If you're using the vanilla bean, you can add the empty pod to the syrup for extra flavor. Let the syrup cool completely.

Combine: Once the syrup has cooled, pour it over the cherries in the jar. Make sure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup. If necessary, use a spoon to press them down gently.

Add Vodka: Pour the vodka into the jar, covering the cherries and syrup completely. Seal the jar tightly with the lid.

Infusion Time: Place the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 1-2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld together. You can give the jar a gentle shake every few days to help distribute the flavors.

Strain: After the infusion period, strain the liqueur through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the cherries and any solids. You may need to strain it more than once to ensure clarity.

Bottle: Once strained, transfer the cherry liqueur into clean, sterilized bottles or jars. Save the cherries to add  to cocktails. You’re welcome.

Enjoy: Serve it chilled on its own, over ice, or use it as a flavorful ingredient in cocktails like Cherry Martinis or Cherry Coladas. Oh, and try it over ice cream. 

Storage: Store  in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. It should keep well for several months and  the flavors may continue to develop over time.

It’s really that simple. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or intensity of the liqueur by altering the amount of sugar or vodka used. 

We hope you enjoyed learning about homemade liqueur. If you need to reach us, have feedback, or have a topic you would like to see, please let us know at [email protected]