What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh cherries
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of vodka
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
Become your very own mixologist by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Wash and remove the stems from the fresh cherries. Be sure to use ripe cherries for the best flavor.
Step 2: Macerate the Cherries
In a clean glass jar, add the cherries and sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the cherries, releasing their juices.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the bean itself to the jar. Break the cinnamon stick into smaller pieces and add them as well.
Step 4: Pour in the Vodka
Fill the jar with vodka, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Step 5: Infuse and Store
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, allowing the flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to give the jar a gentle shake every few days.
Step 6: Strain and Bottle
After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid ingredients. Transfer the liqueur to a clean, airtight bottle or jar for storage.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your homemade maraschino liqueur is now ready to be savored. Use it in your favorite cocktails, drizzle it over ice cream, or gift it to friends and family. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you know how to make maraschino liqueur from scratch, have fun experimenting with different cherry varieties or adding additional spices to create your unique twist on this classic liqueur. Cheers!