How To Make Homemade Blackberry Liqueur - Building A Drink: Your Ultimate Guide to Mixed Drink and Cocktail Recipes

Prepare the Blackberries: Wash the blackberries thoroughly and pat them dry. Place the blackberries in a large glass jar or container. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the blackberries. Stir gently to coat the blackberries evenly with sugar. Pour the vodka over the sugared blackberries. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and add it to the mixture.

Add the lemon zest to the jar. Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, preferably 1 month. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the flavors meld. After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl.

Discard the solids. If desired, you can filter the liqueur again through a coffee filter for extra clarity. Taste the liqueur. If it's too strong, you can dilute it with a bit of water. If you prefer it sweeter, dissolve more sugar in a small amount of water, then add it to the liqueur. Pour the finished liqueur into clean bottles. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place. The liqueur can be enjoyed immediately but will improve with age.

Serve the blackberry liqueur chilled or over ice. Use it as a base for cocktails, such as blackberry martinis or spritzers. Drizzle over desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or fruit tarts. Enjoy your homemade blackberry liqueur!