How to make Elderberry Liqueur

The best Liqueurs are made with the best, fresh ingredients. Here is how to do it! And, make a fantastic mix drink while you are at it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 7 cups Fresh Elderberry Juice
• 9 cups of clear 60-80 proof liquor.
• 7 cups of sugar
• 4.5 cup water
• 2 lemons
• a stock Pot
• Large Sealing glass container
• salt
• Glass bottles with sealing lids or corks

1. Create a simple syrup: Add 4.5 cup of water to the pot. Bring water to a slow boil. Slowly add the 7 cups of sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. The Berries: Seriously, use fresh berries. You can use frozen but, why (unless you have to)? If necessary, defrost berries. Make sure ALL stems are removed and wash the berries. Put the berries in the blender or food processor and blend away. If you don't, the only flavor you will end up with is from the bitter skins.
3. The Mix: Throw the elderberries in the pot. Simmer on low (really, really low) for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until cool.
4. The Good Part: Now it's time to pick out the Liquor. What do you like? Most use vodka but, if you like rum, gin or even tequila, then go nuts. After all, you are the one drinking it. Just remember, clear liquor works the best and you get what you pay for so use good quality liquor. If you really want to hype it up, you can also add a couple shots of Bacardi 151 or Everclear at this point too.
5. Steeping: Put the elderberryberry/sugar mixture into a clean sterile jar. Squeeze the juice of the lemons into the jar. Add the liquor. Store in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Shake it up every day or so.
6. Clearing: Put the jar in the fridge for about a day so it gets good and cool. Then carefully pour the mixture into a bowl through a sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth. Stir in 3 teaspoons of salt (trust me).
7. Storing: Sterilize your bottles. Fill em up and put the caps on (or the corks). Keep them refrigerated once they are opened. They can keep in a cool dark place for about a year.
8. Martini anyone?
   2 parts home-made elderberry liqueur
   1 part Gin or Vodka
   Splash of soda
   shaken not stirred
   garnish with a wedge of orange, lemon or lime

Tips & Warnings

• Try this with your own home-made liquor. www.ehow.com/how_2091257_still-out-common-household-items.html
• For a twist, don't add the sugar at the beginning. Dissolve it over low heat with 3 pints of whipping cream. Let cool. Add it to the cleared cranberry mixture right before bottling for a superb elderberry cream liqueur. Bon Appetito!
• Drink Responsibly