What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of jujube fruits
- 3 cups of water
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 750 ml of vodka or neutral grain spirit
- A large glass jar with an airtight lid
- A mesh strainer
- A funnel
- Optional: cinnamon sticks or other spices for added flavor
Step 1: Preparing the Jujube Fruits
Start by washing the jujube fruits thoroughly under cold running water. Once clean, remove any stems or leaves and cut each fruit in half. Keep the seeds intact, as they add depth of flavor to the liqueur. Place the prepared jujubes into the glass jar.
Step 2: Creating the Jujube Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a syrupy mixture. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the jujube fruits in the jar. You can also add cinnamon sticks or other spices at this stage for added flavor.
Step 3: Adding the Alcohol
Pour the vodka or neutral grain spirit into the jar with the jujube syrup and fruit. Use a clean spoon to gently stir everything together, ensuring that the fruits are fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Infusion Time
Seal the jar tightly with its lid and place it in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks. This will allow the flavors to infuse and intensify, resulting in a rich and aromatic liqueur.
Step 5: Straining the Liqueur
After the infusion period, it’s time to strain the liqueur. Set a mesh strainer over a clean bowl or another jar and slowly pour the jujube liqueur through the strainer, separating the liquid from the fruit and any spices. Press down gently on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 6: Bottling and Aging
Using a funnel, carefully transfer the strained liqueur into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for about two months. This aging process allows the flavors to mellow and develop further.
Step 7: Enjoying the Jujube Liqueur
Once the aging is complete, your homemade jujube liqueur is ready to be savored. Serve it chilled as a digestif or use it as a delightful ingredient in your cocktails. The sweet and fruity notes of jujube liqueur are sure to impress your guests and make for a memorable drinking experience.
So why not give this Jujube Liqueur recipe a try? Craft your own Brodo di Giuggiole and unlock the unique flavors of the jujube fruit in a delicious homemade liqueur. Cheers!