Okay today has been exactly four months since I started this recipe. I must say the taste is not quite what I expected. I was expecting something similar to a port i.e. a smokey deep flavor. But this liquor has a very light smooth flavor. There is no "bite" from the vodka. And the cloves give it a very interesting depth to its flavor. It almost tastes like it was aged in an oak barrel. All-in-all I give this 4/5 stars but I'm hoping that as the liquor sits in my decantur that the flavor will continue to develop. I will review this recipe again in another month or two and I hope to add the fifth star.
The 5 star is for how easy it is to make. I will update when this is ready in 4 months:) Just wondering... which simple syrup should i make the one listed in this site 1:1 ratio of sugar and water or the 2:1 ratio that is often used in cocktails. 2/14/08 update This turned out really good. A nice smooth liquor. My family and friends requested I make this every year for New Years. I used the 2:1 ratio in cocktails.
I will admit that I know nothing about making liqueur but I thought this sounded good so I gave it a try. It was very easy to make and it turned out to be delicious! I was worried because I used a cheaper brand of vodka but even with that it tastes good (I'm sure the more expensive ones taste better but I was pleasantly surprised with my cheap version). I added some almond extract to the simple syrup after it cooled (I boiled 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water for 15 minutes). I will definitely make this again. Thanks for the great recipe!
First let me say we looove this recipe!! I made 2 batches, the 1st with equal parts sugar/water simple syrup and the next 1 1/2 sugar to 1 part water. I bottled it in pretty bottles and gave away for Xmas gifts. I asked my friends which they preferred and all agreed the less sweet version won out. I agree. I'm making more tomorrow (I have lots of frozen berries from our bushes) and making with equal parts sugar/water. Hope this helps :)
Definetly worth the 4 month wait! We picked our own berries (cost about 10 and made six batches) then we finished up in December - - I had to go out and buy smaller decorative bottles for the gifts we were giving away because we wanted more for ourselves:) You do not need to mix it with anything to make it "drinkable" but it is very sweet (think ice wine with a lot more "kick") You can taste the blueberries and the cloves are very pronounced (we used the 2:1 ratio for simple syrup) Six batches fills about 2 large vodka containers (or lots of decorative bottles)
This is mellow and sweet! Great flavor!
It sure takes a long time but very good. I forgot about it at 3 months so at 4 I mashed out the blueberries through the cheesecloth and added the cooled simple syrup and am drinking it now. I wanted it for Christmas darn it and we're not waiting anymore. Our neighbors loved it and want the recipe. I plan on starting another batch and trying some with raspberries or a mixed berry. I only wish I had made more to give for gifts. Don't wait, start now!
Great recipe! Does anyone have an idea to use the berries instead of discarding then after the liquor is made? I'm thinking of mixing with some kind of sauce and putting them in a crepe dessert. Any suggestions? Have the strained berries in the freezer.
Used my hand picked frozen berries. It was good. I didn't use the clove. The next time I will only use berries and nothing else. I want just the berry flavor. I will try this again. I also used a top shelf vodka.
Need to cut the sugar in half.
