Blackberry Vodka – Peter’s Food Adventures

Nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own homemade Infused Blackberry Vodka. With roots in Russia, Poland and Eastern Europe, a classic way to naturally flavor Vodka. Blackberries make the ideal fruit for infusing. resulting in a rich, ruby color, not a liqueur, but has some sweetness.

Like all my Vodka infusions. you’ll love this not only because how easy it is to make, but it also makes a great gift, enjoyed on its own, or as part of a fancy cocktail. Keep it refrigerated to enjoy for 6 months (if it lasts that long).

Ingredients

• 1 Liter of Vodka (Wheat or Potato Vodka, avoid Corn or Rice Vodka)
• ½ Pound (250g) Ripe Blackberries
• Optional: ½ cup of Sugar – I’d skip as you can always adjust later
• Equipment – clean wide mouth Glass Jar, Cheesecloth for straining, a bowl, funnel and bottle for serving

How to Make Blackberry Vodka

1. Prepare Blackberries – gently rinse under cold water. Don’t soak, gently remove leaves, stems and remove any moldy fruit.
2. Prepare Infusion – pour Vodka into clean jar. Place berries into the jar. If you were adding sugar, this is where you do it. Ensure Blackberries are covered by Vodka. Close jar with a lid.
3. Infuse – place jar in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. Avoid sunlight or heat. Gently shake jar every few days. The colors will gradually turn into a rich ruby color. Taste after 7 days, but ideally to infuse for 3 weeks for best color and flavor.
4. Strain – place cheesecloth into a bowl. Carefully pour the Blackberry Vodka into the cheesecloth. Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract the flavor from the Blackberries. For a clear vodka, do a second pass through a clean cheesecloth or coffee filter. (Once is usually enough for me).
5. Bottle and Store – using a funnel, pour strained Vodka into a sterilized glass jar. Always keep in the refrigerator. For best flavor enjoy within 6 months, but can last even longer.

Blackberry Vodka Flavor Ideas

• Blackberry Vanilla – split 1-2 Vanilla Pods, scrape the seeds and add to infusion, allow to infuse for 2-3 weeks
• Sugar Free – this is my preference, and how I made it in the video. Usually you will add this to a cocktail that is already sweet, or add to 7-Up, but even enjoyed straight there is a slight sweetness that is all that’s required
• Mixed Berry Vodka – mix and match your berries by adding half Raspberries, Blueberries or Strawberries
• Blackberry Lemon – add the zest of 1 or 2 Lemons during the infusion for a citrus twist

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Double Berry – for more intense flavor, double the Blackberries
• Bake with the Leftovers – don’t throw the boozy berries away, bake some Muffins or a Cake, can also just pop them into your mouth – waste not want not
• Ripe Berries – find the ripest Blackberries for the best flavor. Underripe ones have less flavor
• Label Bottle – mark the date on the bottom of the bottle to keep track of time
• Serving Suggestions – enjoy chilled, on the rocks, in a Cocktail, as a Blackberry Martini, with Tonic or 7-Up

Can I Use Frozen Blackberries?

Yes. Thaw first and drain excess water before adding to Vodka – the results will taste the same.

What is the Alcohol Content of Blackberry Infused Vodka?

Higher than you think. It’s not really diluting too much by adding fruit, and will be around 36%-38%.

Why Does It Taste Bitter?

This means it was over-infused (too long). Make sure you taste and and stop when you are happy with flavor. I recommend 3 weeks, but it can be enjoyed within 7 days, taste and decide.

Can I Sweeten It After?

Yes, sweeten with a simple syrup. To make it more like a sweet Blackberry Liqueur, bring to a boil 1 cup of Water with 1 cup of White Sugar. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into Blackberry Vodka to your taste.

Vodka Infusions You Need to Try

If you’ve been curious and wanting to make your own Vodka infusions, Blackberry is a great place to start. So versatile with many ways to make it your own, and what a great and thoughtful gift. Your friends (and tastebuds) will thank you. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

Blackberry Vodka

It’s easy to make a homemade Blackberry Infused Vodka, all you need is 2 ingredients and a bit of time. You can also sweeten to make it more like a Blackberry Liqueur. Perfect for sipping or gift giving.