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Blackberry Vodka: homemade blackberry vodka — Drinks recipe | AfoodrinkDrinks

Blackberry Vodka

This homemade blackberry vodka is a simple fruit infusion with a deep berry color and a smooth, lightly sweet finish. Sip it over ice, mix it with soda, or use it in bright cocktails.

Total time
15 min
Yield
16 servings, about 1 1/2 fluid ounces (3
Difficulty
Easy

Prep 15mCook 0mAmericanDrinks

Blackberry vodka is one of the easiest infusions to make at home. Fresh berries, vodka, and a little sugar sit together until the fruit gives the vodka its color and flavor.

You do not need special equipment. A clean jar, a strainer, and a bit of patience are enough. The vodka is ready in about 3 days, though it gets rounder and fruitier after 5 to 7 days.

Use this as a cocktail base with lemon, soda water, ginger beer, or iced tea. It also makes a thoughtful adult gift when bottled neatly and labeled with the date.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

4 items · 16 servings, about 1 1/2 fluid ounces (3

  • 2 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and well drained
  • 1 bottle 80-proof vodka, 750 ml
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 wide strip lemon peel, optional, with no white pith attached

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Clean the jar

    Wash a 1-quart glass jar and lid in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely. A clean jar helps the vodka keep well and prevents off flavors.

  2. 2. Sort the berries

    Pick through the blackberries and discard any berries that are moldy, mushy, or leaking. Gently pat the good berries dry. Extra water can dilute the infusion.

  3. 3. Lightly crush the fruit

    Add the blackberries to the jar. Press them gently with the back of a spoon until a few berries burst. Do not mash them into a puree; lightly bruising the fruit helps release juice without making the vodka too cloudy.

  4. 4. Add sugar and lemon peel

    Sprinkle the sugar over the berries. Add the lemon peel if using. The peel adds a small citrus note, but keep off the bitter white pith under the yellow skin.

  5. 5. Pour in the vodka

    Add the vodka and make sure the fruit is covered. Stir once or twice to start dissolving the sugar, then seal the jar tightly.

  6. 6. Infuse in a cool spot

    Place the jar in a cool, dark cupboard for 3 to 7 days. Shake the jar gently once a day. Start tasting after day 3; the flavor will become stronger and more jammy as it sits.

  7. 7. Strain the vodka

    Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or measuring cup. Pour the mixture through the strainer. For a clearer vodka, strain it again through a coffee filter or a double layer of cheesecloth. Do not press too hard if you want a cleaner finish.

  8. 8. Bottle and chill

    Pour the blackberry vodka into a clean bottle. Seal and refrigerate or store in a cool, dark place. Serve chilled, over ice, or mixed into cocktails.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • Make-ahead: This vodka needs at least 3 days to infuse. For a fuller berry flavor, let it sit 5 to 7 days before straining.
  • Storage: Store strained blackberry vodka in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cabinet for up to 2 months. If it smells fermented, looks fizzy, or develops mold, discard it.
  • Frozen berry swap: You can use frozen blackberries. Thaw them first, then add the berries and any juices to the jar. Frozen berries often give a darker color.
  • Sweetness control: Use 2 tablespoons sugar for a drier infusion or up to 1/3 cup for a sweeter, liqueur-style vodka. Stir well before straining so the sugar dissolves.
  • Clearer vodka: For the clearest result, strain once through a fine sieve and again through a coffee filter. This takes longer but removes tiny fruit bits.
  • Serving idea: Mix 1 1/2 ounces blackberry vodka with ice, lemon juice, and club soda for a light highball. It is also good with ginger beer or lemonade.

Cook's note

This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Keep infused spirits clearly labeled and stored away from children. Nutrition is calculated from the full ingredient amounts divided by 16 servings; actual values may vary slightly depending on how much fruit pulp is strained out.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

How long should blackberry vodka infuse?

Three days gives a fresh berry flavor. Five to seven days gives a deeper color and stronger blackberry taste. After about a week, strain it so the fruit does not start to taste dull or overripe.

Can I make blackberry vodka without sugar?

Yes. Leave out the sugar for a drier infusion. It will taste more like berry-flavored vodka than a sweet liqueur. You can always stir in simple syrup later when making drinks.

Do I need expensive vodka?

No. Use a clean-tasting, mid-range 80-proof vodka. Very cheap vodka can taste harsh, while very expensive vodka is not necessary because the berries add the main flavor.

Why is my blackberry vodka cloudy?

Cloudiness usually comes from crushed fruit pulp. It is safe if the infusion smells fresh and has been stored properly. Strain it through a coffee filter if you want a clearer drink.

Can I eat the vodka-soaked blackberries?

They are edible for adults, but they will be very boozy and softer than fresh berries. They work better spooned over ice cream or stirred into a cocktail than eaten plain.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

16 servings, about 1 1/2 fluid ounces (3

Amount per serving

Calories121

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0 g
0%
Saturated Fat0 g
0%
Cholesterol0 mg
0%
Sodium0 mg
0%
Total Carbohydrate5 g
2%
Dietary Fiber1 g
4%
Total Sugars4 g
Protein0 g
0%
Vitamin D0 mcg
0%
Calcium5 mg
0%
Iron0.1 mg
1%
Potassium29 mg
1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

05Keep cooking

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