Elderberry Infused Vodka
Elderberries grow wild here. They produce a cluster of small purplish fruit that ripen starting mid-August through the beginning of October. Two trees in the same location can ripen a good month apart.
I started this recipe about 8 weeks ago. It was during the middle of the summer so I had time to forage for fresh berries, remove them from their stems and then soak them in a quart of vodka.
Okay....once I had them picked and removed from the stems, there really wasn't much more to do than wait....and wait....and wait!
Elderberries are a teeny little fruit with a fairly large seed. I've never really found a use for them before, but thought I'd figure out what to do with them. I made a cordial, which is a non-alcoholic concentrated mixture that is reported to ward off sickness. I'll let you know if it works 🙂
Then I made this infused vodka! I'm sure it will ward off any germs just daring to come close! Oh wait, maybe that's the vodka! Well, even if it doesn't prevent sickness, it still tastes good!
After several weeks, I drained the elderberries and left behind was a purplish vodka with a slightly fruity flavor. The remaining berries were devoid of the purplish color.
Another recipe I make using vodka is Moscow Mules.
Elderberry Vodka
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh elderberries
- 1 quart vodka
Instructions
- Place elderberries in a glass jar.
- Pour vodka over top and cover with a lid.
- Let vodka mixture sit for 6-8 weeks until color has developed.
- Strain off berries.
- Use elderberry vodka in place of regular vodka in any drink.
Nutrition
Dana says
First time working with elderberries, so being cautious because I am reading that with raw berries you can get sick. I’m thinking that’s not the case with infusing the vodka? Do you know why? Is there a step where they are cooked first?
Kathy says
Hi Dana,
Raw elderberries do contain toxins, however the toxicity level varies from variety and location. Some berries contain very little toxins. I have not cooked the elderberries in this infused vodka. They are soaked in the vodka and then fully strained off, including the skins and the seeds. There is a lot of conflicting opinions about the amount of toxins that may be transferred to the vodka. You will need to use your own judgement if you deem this safe.
Kathy
Veronica says
My elderberry vodka concoction tastes like a fermented berries infused vodka. Any tips on how to make it more palatable. It tastes very fermented!!! I did add a bit of sugar and honey to see if that helps. So we shall see? Maybe i should dilute with sprite???
Thank you!
Kathy says
Hi Veronica,
I don't know why it would ferment. I've never had that issue. When I drink mine, I do pour over ice and add sprite. That's how I like it.
Diny Jansen says
Does it have to be 100% vodka?
Kathy says
No. You could use another alcohol instead of the vodka or even create a mix.
Fred G says
Great idea for vodka
Lauren says
Just curious if anyone ever uses the berries (after straining the vodka off) for something?
Kathy says
Great question! I have not used the berries, but I am curious.... 🙂
Phyllis says
Oh boy I am going to have to try and find some. Are there still berries on the trees? Friend of mine at one time were going to get some and make wine 🙂 but never did it so would love to get some and try the vodka. Use to be a big tree down from the folks wonder if its still there? One way too to find out if it is elderberry is if the grouse are in it. They do love those berries. 🙂
Kathy says
There are still some berries on...you just need to start looking! I think you've still got a few weeks before they are all gone.
Ashley says
I've never infused my own vodka before - this is pretty darn cool! And with the elderberries! I like it!
Kathy says
It was a first for me too! Will definitely do it again!