How Is Blackberry Brandy Made?

Brandy with a Hint of Blackberry

The name "Blackberry Brandy" is a little misleading. While fruit brandies are typically made by distilling a fruit wine, the process is different for berry brandies. Berries are added to brandy after the brewing process.

Commercial Blackberry Brandy

Berries don't have enough sugar to make a wine that is strong enough to be distilled, so another liquor must be used to provide a sufficient level of alcohol content. A strong grape brandy is the most common substitute, but any high-proof liquor can be used. Berries are soaked in the substitute liquor to infuse the aroma and taste. After they're mashed, berries are submerged in the liquor for weeks or months.

Homemade Blackberry Brandy

Blackberry brandy is easier to make at home for the same reason that it is difficult to make in a brewery. Distillation is not necessary unless you use a high proof spirit--and if you are willing to lose some potency of taste. To make homemade blackberry brandy, follow this recipe from "Cordials from the Kitchen," by Pattie Vargas and Rich Gulling:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 lb. fresh blackberries (washed)
1 fifth brandy
1 tsp. fruit protector

Boil sugar and water together and let it cool. Crush the blackberries, add the fruit protector and let it stand for 2 hours. Mix all ingredients together and steep for 1 to 3 months, shaking the mixture every day. Strain the mixture to filter; consider letting the mixture stand one more day so solids fall to the bottom, then siphon off the top.