Blackberry Liqueur

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Jul 19

Story of Blackberry Liqueur

I made my first liqueur using the sour cherry liqueur recipe of Mannie Aunt, my lovely Armenian neighbour in Istanbul. By following her sound principles, I was able to develop many others.
Discover Istanbul's cherished tradition of homemade liqueur recipes, originating from Ottoman Armenians and embraced by Turks. Made with seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of alcohol or vodka, each batch embodies a family's unique taste.
Liqueurs are symbols of hospitality, enjoyed during family gatherings, celebrations, and bayram visits, often accompanied by Turkish coffee.
Experience the essence of tradition and joy in every sip, as these beloved recipes continue to unite generations with warmth and flavour.

Blackberry Liqueur; Homemade technique for making berry liqueurs

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Ingredients

750 g fresh Blackberries
500 g sugar
500 mL drinking water
500 mL vodka
1 nutmeg
10-15 cloves
1-2 fresh blackberry leaves (optional)
2.5-3 L glass jar*

*Make sure the jar has enough empty space to release some gas during fermentation.

Notes from the Kitchen

For a crystal-clear liqueur, take care not to cut or crush the berries
The longer you wait, the more aromatic your liqueur becomes!
Keep the liqueur in the fridge at least 1 day before serving

Directions

Gently wash the Blackberries with running water; thoroughly drain the excess water and remove the stems.

JARRING THE BLACKBERRIES
Pour 500 g of sugar into a clean and sealable jar
Add 500 mL of warm drinking water and stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and make a syrup
Then, submerge the Blackberries in the syrup
Add 10-15 cloves and 1 roughly chopped nutmeg for an authentic flavour I like the lightly bitter taste of Blackberry leaves. So, added a couple of Blackberry leaves as well; but it is optional.
Finally, add 500 mL of vodka into the jar.
Cover the jar with a lid and leave to infuse for 20-30 days; until the berries have released most of their colour Enjoy the summer while time works for you! You will observe the colour of the jar slowly turn to a deep burgundy.
Shake the jar from time to time to keep all the ingredients submerged during this process. Do not open the jar lid if not necessary

FILTERING
The longer you wait, the more aromatic your liqueur becomes! I let the Blackberries infuse for 2 months before filtering
When you open the jar, you will be amazed at the aroma and consistency!
Pour the liquid through a fine strainer reinforced with a couple layers of cheese cloth. Discard the solids left on the strainer. Pour the extract into a sealable glass bottle and keep it in the fridge at least 1 day before serving.
This method makes a vibrant, crystal-clear Blackberry Liqueur

SERVING
In Turkish culture, homemade liqueur is served alongside Turkish Coffee.
You prepare your favourite coffee, pour the blackberry Liqueur into a small liqueur glass.
Enjoy the amazing blend of fresh berries, unique spices, fine and sweet alcohol in your glass. Share your homemade Blackberry Liqueur with your family and friends at joyful gatherings to merrily celebrate good health and recall the lovely taste of summer!
Celebrate Life’s Beauty!

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