Homemade Blueberry Liqueur

Blueberry Liqueur

Blueberries are abundant this year. I have made jam and pie filling with some, frozen quite a few, and of course, eaten plenty. I also decided to preserves some for later in the form of a blueberry liqueur. I make two different ones, actually. One is unsweetened- just blueberries, vodka, lemon zest and a clove. It is sometimes called an eau de vie- French for water of life, or just blueberry vodka. The other is sweetened a little with a sugar syrup- but you could use honey. That is called blueberry liqueur or blueberry cordial. Both are wonderful. The color is so pretty and they can be sipped, as is, or used in cocktails. I make a lot for gift giving at the holidays. You can use blackberries, too, if you prefer.

Blackberry or Blueberry Liqueur

4-c. fresh berries
Sliced and scraped peel of one lemon, optional
1 clove, optional
3-c. vodka or 2 c. vodka and 1 c. brandy
1 c. sugar syrup, optional, recipe follows

Lightly crush berries with a fork. Combine with peels and clove and vodka and steep 3 months. Strain and filter and add sugar syrup. Mature 4-6 weeks.

Sugar Syrup

Simple syrup is made from 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil, then cool. You will have 1 cup of syrup. Some recipes call for plain sugar and others for honey. Watch when you substitute honey for sugar, as it is sweeter and stronger flavored. Better to use orange or clover honey.