Capture the essence of late summer with "Milly's Chokecherry Schnapps," a lusciously rich and fruity homemade liqueur that highlights the natural tang and sweetness of freshly picked chokecherries. This small-batch recipe combines just three simple ingredients—juicy chokecherries, granulated sugar, and neutral vodka—into a perfectly balanced infusion that matures beautifully over 4 to 8 weeks. With minimal effort and a bit of patience, you'll be rewarded with a smooth, vibrant spirit that can be sipped chilled, served as a digestive, or used to elevate your favorite cocktails. Perfect for preserving the flavors of seasonal foraging or adding a unique homemade touch to your bar, this DIY schnapps is as rewarding to make as it is to enjoy.
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1. Start by washing the chokecherries thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any stems, leaves, or debris and discard any damaged or unripe berries.
2. Once cleaned, place the chokecherries into a large mason jar (or any other sealable glass container). Make sure the jar is clean and dry.
3. Gently mash the chokecherries with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to release some of the juices. Be careful not to smash the pits as they can release bitter flavors.
4. Add the granulated sugar on top of the mashed chokecherries in the jar.
5. Pour the vodka into the jar, ensuring the chokecherries and sugar are fully submerged. Stir gently to mix.
6. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry or cupboard). Let it steep for at least 4 weeks, but for best results, allow it to infuse for up to 8 weeks.
7. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the sugar dissolve and encourage the flavors to develop.
8. After the infusion period, strain the schnapps through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove the solids. If needed, strain again to ensure clarity.
9. Transfer the filtered schnapps into a clean, sterilized bottle or glass container. Seal and store in a cool, dark place.
10. Serve the schnapps chilled or use it as a base for cocktails. Enjoy responsibly!
Serving size | (1911.9g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3567.9 |
Total Fat 2.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 496g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 16g | 0% |
Total Sugars 464g | |
Protein 8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 120mg | 0% |
Iron 4mg | 0% |
Potassium 1600mg | 0% |
Source of Calories