Elderberry Liqueur

User Reviews

4.9

66 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    25 small drinks

  • Calories

    102 kcal

  • Course

    Drinks

  • Cuisine

    American, British

Elderberry Liqueur

Elderberry Liqueur is crafted by steeping fresh elderberries and lemon rind in vodka to extract deep fruity flavors, then sweetened to taste. The infusion process, lasting from one month to a year, develops a color ranging from rich red wine to nearly black. This homemade liqueur balances the tartness of elderberries with a hint of citrus from the lemon peel and customizable sweetness, resulting in a smooth, richly colored drink.

Description

This Elderberry Liqueur recipe uses a pint of fresh elderberries and vodka as the base, with the addition of lemon rind to add subtle citrus notes without bitterness. The mixture is sealed and left in a dark place to macerate for a minimum of one month, allowing the vodka to extract the berries' color and flavor fully. When the desired color intensity is reached, the infusion is strained and sweetened with sugar or honey, shaken until dissolved, and then rested further to meld flavors. The resulting liqueur is rich in deep, fruity tones, enhanced by the brightness of lemon and balanced sweetness.

The long infusion time is crucial to develop the depth of flavor and characteristic dark hue. The amount of sugar added can be adjusted to personal preference, starting with at least two tablespoons. Since the liqueur is alcoholic and well-preserved by vodka and sugar, it can be stored indefinitely, allowing the flavors to mature further with time.

The liqueur is suitable for sipping on its own, mixing into cocktails, or adding a fruity note to desserts and sauces, offering versatility with its bold, berry-forward profile.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pint elderberries fresh
  • 1 quart vodka
  • 3 lemon rind white pith removed, one-inch pieces
  • sugar to taste

Instructions

  1. Put elderberries into a quart Mason jar and pour over the vodka. Add the lemon rind (make sure the rind has no white pith, as it is bitter.) Seal and put in a dark cupboard for at least a month, or up to a year.
  2. The alcohol will extract flavor from the elderberries over time, so the longer you let it sit, the inkier it will get.
  3. When it is the color you want -- anything from a Pinot Noir color to downright black -- pour the vodka through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into another jar and add sugar.
  4. How much sugar or honey? At least 2 tablespoons, but to your taste. Shake to combine and put back in the cupboard. After a few days or weeks, the sugar will completely dissolve and the elderberry liqueur is ready to drink. It keeps forever.

Notes

  • You can use any sweetener, but white sugar keeps the liqueur's flavor neutral and clean.
  • Store the liqueur in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and color over time.
  • The longer the infusion period, up to a year, the stronger and darker the liqueur becomes.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 102kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 53mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 114IU (2%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 25small drinks

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 102kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 53mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 114IU 2%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

66 reviews
Excellent

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