Homemade Crème de Cassis (Print Version)

Craft a traditional French blackcurrant liqueur using fresh berries, sugar, and vodka. Ideal for classic cocktails and sweet treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 1.1 lbs fresh blackcurrants, cleaned and stems removed

→ Sugar

02 - 1.1 lbs granulated sugar

→ Alcohol

03 - 24 fl oz vodka or neutral spirit, 40% ABV minimum

→ Optional

04 - 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

# How To:

01 - In a large sterilized glass jar, combine blackcurrants and sugar. Gently crush berries using a potato masher or wooden spoon to release their juices.
02 - Pour vodka into the jar and add split vanilla bean if using.
03 - Stir mixture thoroughly, seal jar tightly, and store in a cool, dark place.
04 - Shake or stir jar daily for 7 days to dissolve sugar and infuse flavors.
05 - After 7 days, strain through fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing solids to extract maximum liquid.
06 - Filter again if clearer liqueur is desired, then pour into sterilized bottles and seal.
07 - Store in a cool, dark place. Liqueur is ready immediately but improves with age.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Pure French Tradition: Recreate a classic French staple right in your kitchen.
  • Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar levels to suit your personal palate.
  • Cocktail Essential: The perfect base for making authentic Kir and Kir Royale cocktails.
02 -
  • Flavor Extraction: Don't skip the daily shaking; it is vital for ensuring the sugar dissolves and the fruit infuses properly.
  • Aging: While ready after 7 days, the flavors will continue to mellow and integrate if left to age for a few weeks.
  • Quality Spirits: Use a high-quality vodka or spirit, as the alcohol acts as the primary canvas for the blackcurrant flavor.
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