Cherry Liqueur
INGREDIENTS
- 750 ml clear vodka or moonshine
- 1 lb pitted cherries
- 8 oz sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation of Cherry Infusion:
Fill a clean mason jar with fresh cherries. Pour liquor over the cherries until they are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 7 days to allow the cherries to infuse the liquor.
Straining and Sugar Coating:
After 7 days, strain the infused liquor through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bottle. Be sure to capture all the liquid. Return the cherries to the original mason jar. Add granulated sugar to the cherries, covering them thoroughly. Lightly muddle the cherries to mix them with the sugar, but be careful not to crush them completely. Place the jar in the refrigerator for 5 days, allowing the sugar to extract the remaining juices from the cherries.
Final Straining and Bottling:
Strain the liquor from the sugar-coated cherries into a clean mason jar. Do this carefully to ensure clarity in the final product. Combine this liquid with the previously strained liquor. Seal the jar and shake it thoroughly to ensure a consistent blend of the flavors. Using a funnel, transfer the liqueur into serving bottles.
Storage and Serving:
Store the bottled liqueur in a cool, dark place until ready to serve. Enjoy your homemade cherry liqueur as a standalone drink or as part of mixed cocktails.
VIDEO HOW-TO
NOTES
Ensure all equipment is clean before use to prevent contamination. The flavor of the liqueur will continue to develop over time. Equipment Needed: 1/2 gallon Mason jars, fine mesh strainer, mixing spoon, funnel, glass bottles for storing liqueur
