750 g fresh Blackberries

500 g sugar

500 mL drinking water

500 mL vodka

1 nutmeg

10-15 cloves

1-2 fresh blackberry leaves (optional)

2.5-3 L glass jar

Special thanks:
I am lucky enough to have a neighbour who merrily shares her fresh Blackberries with me. Special thanks to young Hannah for giving me a hand while picking these beauties!

Gently wash the Blackberries with running water
Thoroughly drain the excess water and remove the stems
JARRING
Pour 500 g of sugar into a clean and sealable jar
Add 500 mL of warm drinking water
Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and becomes a syrup
Then, submerge the Blackberries in the syrup
For a crystal-clear liqueur, take care not to cut or crush the berries
Add 10-15 cloves and 1 roughly chopped nutmeg for an authentic flavour
I like the lightly bitter taste of Blackberry leaves. So, added a couple of Blackberry leaves as well; but it is optional
Finally, add 500 mL of vodka into the jar
Make sure the jar has enough empty space to release some gas during fermentation
Cover the jar with a lid and leave to infuse for 20-30 days; until the berries have released most of their colour
Enjoy the summer while time works for you!
You will observe the colour of the jar slowly turn to a deep burgundy. Shake the jar from time to time to keep all the ingredients submerged during this process.
Do not open the jar lid if not necessary
FILTERING
The longer you wait, the more aromatic your liqueur becomes!
I let the Blackberries infuse for 2 months before filtering
When you open the jar, you will be amazed at the aroma and consistency!
Pour the liquid through a fine strainer reinforced with a couple layers of cheese cloth. Discard the solids left on the strainer
Pour the extract into a sealable glass bottle and keep it in the fridge at least 1 day before serving
This method makes a vibrant, crystal-clear Blackberry Liqueur
SERVING
In Turkish culture, homemade liqueur is served alongside Turkish Coffee
You prepare your favourite coffee
Pour the blackberry Liqueur into a small liqueur glass
Enjoy the amazing blend of fresh berries, unique spices, fine and sweet alcohol in your glass. Share your homemade Blackberry Liqueur with your family and friends at joyful gatherings to merrily celebrate good health and recall the lovely taste of summer!
Celebrate Life’s Beauty!