Homemade Spiced Blackcurrant Vodka (Printable Version)

Aromatic blackcurrant vodka infused with warm spices and lemon zest

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit & Alcohol

01 - 500 g fresh or frozen blackcurrants
02 - 750 ml good-quality vodka

→ Sweetener

03 - 250 g granulated sugar

→ Spices

04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 4 whole cloves
06 - 2 star anise
07 - 5 black peppercorns
08 - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon in strips

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the blackcurrants thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Slightly crush them with a potato masher or fork to release their natural juices.
02 - Place the crushed blackcurrants into a large sterilized jar with a capacity of at least 1.5 liters.
03 - Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, star anise, black peppercorns, and lemon zest strips to the jar.
04 - Pour the granulated sugar into the jar, followed by the vodka.
05 - Seal the jar tightly with a lid and shake gently to begin dissolving the sugar throughout the mixture.
06 - Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. Shake gently every few days to facilitate flavor infusion and complete sugar dissolution.
07 - After the infusion period, strain the entire mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into a clean jug, discarding all solids.
08 - Decant the strained liqueur into sterilized bottles using a funnel, seal tightly, and apply labels.
09 - Allow the liqueur to mature for at least one additional week before consuming. Serve chilled or over ice.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Simple Preparation: Only 15 minutes of hands-on time is required before the infusion process begins.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of blackcurrants with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates a complex and aromatic spirit.
  • Perfect for Gifting: This beautiful, deep-purple liqueur makes a thoughtful and elegant homemade present.
  • Dietary Friendly: This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free vodka.
02 -
  • Shaking: Remember to shake the jar gently every few days during the infusion period to help the sugar dissolve and distribute the flavors.
  • Patience: While the liqueur is drinkable after straining, allowing it to mature for an extra week once bottled significantly enhances the final taste.
  • Storage: Keep the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant color of the blackcurrants.
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