Author Notes
Sweet blueberries hit their prime as summer nears its end, and what better way to savor their tart flavor then in a cordial you can enjoy all through the fall? Making infused liquors is quite easy, and a great way to use up over-ripe fruit and scraps. Just soak berries, or any leftover fruit, in a quick simple syrup, then mix into vodka and let sit for a few weeks. And packed full of citrus and fresh mint, the smash has quickly become a favorite cocktail of mine. Chicago’s French-inspired Maude’s Liquor Bar creates this tipple with a variety of liquors, including the delightful smokey violet combination, but using a house-made blueberry vodka is just as sweet. —La Vita Cucinare
Ingredients
- Blueberry Liquor
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1 cup
sugar
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1 cup
water
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8 ounces
blueberries
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1
lemon, zest removed using peeler or paring knife
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1.75 liters
vodka or high-proof clear liquor
- Blueberry Smash
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2 pieces
orange zest
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2 pieces
lemon zest
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3
mint leaves
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1.5 ounces
blueberry liquor
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1.5 ounces
soda water
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Blueberries for garnish
Directions
- Blueberry Liquor
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1. Place the water and sugar in a small, heavy-duty pot and bring to boil. Add the blueberries and lemon zest and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a large jar and allow to cool completely.
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2. Pour the vodka over the blueberry syrup once it has cooled. Place in the refrigerator and let sit for three weeks. Strain through cheesecloth and a fine mesh strainer and store in a sealable container, in the freezer.
- Blueberry Smash
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1. Muddle the mint and zest in a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka and shake vigorously over ice.
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2. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Top off with soda water and garnish with mint and blueberries.
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