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!
Elderberry Vodka - Day 1
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
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Elderberry vodka sounds so much fun, Kathy. Love that purple color on hands. I have had elderflower liqueur before but this vodka. This is a must try.
Adina says
Elderberry trees grow wild here as well. I always use the flowers in early summer but never got to using the berries. People make a delicious jelly out of them in Germany. This flavored vodka sounds great and so easy to make.
David @ Spiced says
What a fun idea! I've always wondered what elderberries looked like in the wild. We had a tree with some sort of unknown berry when we first moved into our house, and I was thinking it might have been elderberry. It clearly wasn't...so good thing I didn't eat any! haha! Love the idea of infusing vodka with the berries. 🙂
Kathy says
I'm glad you didn't try any of the mystery berries! I wonder what they are....
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
What a neat idea, Kathy! I bet this would be awesome with a splash of club soda! Pretty colour, too 🙂
Kathy says
Perfect with club soda!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Wow, so fun Kathy! I love the elderflower liqueur, St. Germain, so I know I'd love elderflower vodka!
Kathy says
I haven't tried that one before! I'll need to give it a try.
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Hmm, one of my favorite cocktails is a Harvey Wallbanger which uses vodka and orange juice.It might be worth a try to substitute elderberry juice for the orange juice!
Kathy says
Ooohhhh! Sounds like a great idea!
mira says
Such a cool idea! Love the garden! Pinning!
Kathy says
Thanks, Mira!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I am totally jealous of your garden situation, Kathy! You have EVERYTHING in your back yard!! I love infused vodkas, as this one sounds AMAZING! Love the color too! If I can get my hands on elderberries I will be sure to give this a try! Cheers!
Kathy says
The elderberries grow wild in the mountains around us. I don't have to go far to find them.
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
This is great, Kathy. I've never infused vodka before. I don't think I'll be able to find elderberries - can you use another berry?
Kathy says
This is my first time making an infused vodka. I would imagine you could use just about any berry!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Wow! What a unique recipe Kathy. WE have some elderberries growing wild here, but not to the extent you seem to have them. Now I'm going to be on the hunt for them!!!
Kathy says
They are fun to find...and fun to pick! Good luck 🙂