Cordial Question

[Dmntd]

Wanted to make a blueberrie cordial. Mashed 2 lb fresh blueberies put them in a 1/2 gallon vodka bottle, then filled it with 100 proof vodka. Gave it a good shake before retiring last night.

This afternoon, the vodka is such a deep red it appears black sitting on the counter.

How long should the fruit be soaked, before straining and sweetening the vodka?

Dmntd

 

[Miriam]

Hi, Anthony,

I let the fruit sit for a month before straining it out of the cordial. I would add sugar now. IMO it does take a month for all the flavor to be extracted and the sugar to integrate.

Once strained, the cordial just keeps getting better. I try to leave my cordials alone for at least 4 months after straining and bottling. They really improve with time.

Miriam

 

[Dmntd]

Hey Miriam,

I'll have to add sugar after removing the fruit this time, the bottle is full.
Guess I should plan on 5 months time after removing the fruit.

There's 1 kg of fruit in about 1.5 L of vodka.

How much sugar would you use?

Would you cut the vodka with water?

Thank You,

Anthony

 

[Miriam]

Anthony,

I would start with 1 cup of sugar, first dissolved in some of the vodka. Taste, and see if it needs more sweetening, 1/8 of a cup at a time, up to 2 cups. Since no fermentation will be happening, the level of sweetness that you obtain initially will be what the final product presents. Although the taste subtly changes and mellows, it doesn't seem sweeter, as in mature wine compared to green. At least, that's been my experience.

No, don't dilute the vodka, it will have been diluted by the blackberry juice. Sounds lovely...

Miriam

 

[Dmntd]

Desided it was time to srain and filter, it was starting to get bitter. I can only guess the seeds from the berries where the cause.

Having added 1/2 C. sugar last week, I can see why it will take few months for the flavors to integrate.

My new question:

Does oxidization play a roll in the maturation of this type of Liqueur, if so, would putting it up in a cork wine bottle be of benefit?

Tony

 

[Pewter_of_Deodar]

Yes, oxidation will make it taste like cough syrup. Keep it sealed...

 

[Dmntd]

Deep dark red, it appearance black in the cupboard. The blueberry aroma and flavor are very strong, and my girl likes (good thing, I made it for her).

2 lb crushed fruit worked well for a 1/2 gallon batch, thinking 3 lb whole fruit should work nearly as well.

I like the way this turned out and am thinking about a 3 gallon batch.

For 3 gallons;

1 case/12 liters Monopolowa potato vodka, as much as it takes to fill the carboy after the fruit's been added.
18 lb whole blueberries.
3 cup sugar.

Stick a bung in the carboy and put it in the shed 'til next spring.

Dmntd