Homemade Cassis

Not so long ago I decided it would be a good idea to go black currant picking.  I had never had black currants before but figured they had to be delicious.  It was a fun day (despite the 100 degree weather) but the taste of the berries totally threw me for a loop.  They tasted totally different than I imagined. I guess I just assumed they would taste like a cross between a blackberry and a blueberry (why I thought this I don’t know…my brain works in crazy ways) but they have their very own distinct flavor.  A flavor that I didn’t find myself really loving.  I was a little sad. Now I had over a pound and a half of berries that I didn’t really enjoy.  That is when it hit me.  I may not enjoy eating the berries but I do enjoy cassis.  Have you ever had cassis? It’s a delicious liquor made with black currants.  Since  making your own flavored liquor is really easy I knew it’s what I had to do!  You might remember I previously limoncello. Easiest thing ever! Luckily for you this is too

Ingredients:

1.5 pound black currants – stems removed and washed

1 liter vodka – it doesn’t have to be the best but don’t buy the worst either

Big jar – I used a 1/2 gallon mason jar

Step One:

Put all you freshly picked, washed and de-stemmed berries in a large glass bowl.  Grab your masher and mash the crap out of your berries. This is also a good exercise for releasing anger.

Step Two:

Get a large glass jar and add the smashed berries. Push them into the bottom of the jar.

Step Three:

Grab your vodka and pour it into the jar with the mashed berries.

Step Four:

Stir the berries and pop a lid on the top. Once a week shake the jar and mix up the berries and vodka. Do this for 4 weeks.

Step Five:

After your berries have soaked for 4 weeks they liquid will be very dark in color. Strain your liquid into a large bowl.  I disposed of my vodka soaked blackcurrants but you could keep them and serve over ice cream.

Step Six:

Clean out the jar and add in the strained liquid.  Add one cup of white sugar and let sit for 3 months. After three months you can either bottle it up and give it away or put it in a more decorative bottle that will fit in your liquor cabinet.

After 3 months your liquid should be sweet and full of flavor. Enjoy!