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How to make blackberry vodka

The first blackberries of the year appear in August, but the later you leave it, the juicier and sweeter they will be. The bramble bush grows in abundance across much of our countryside, and for a few weeks every year we all fall in love with it - especially the birds!

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Lucy McRobert

Published: August 9, 2019 at 4:27 pm

Blackberries are distinctive fruits which grow on bramble with its thorny branches (watch out if you're harvesting) and little red-purple-black fruits made of individual 'drupe's - little drops that hold the seeds and juice.

Blackberries are incredibly versatile fruits, and can be used in a wide variety of foraging recipes – that is, if they don’t all get eaten straight from the bush!

Our bramble guide lists a range of recipes you may like to try, including blackberry cordial, apple and blackberry crumble, blackberry jam and more.

Foraging blackberries. © Mint Images/Getty

Blackberries start off as small and green, before turning red and then gradually darkening through to purple and then glossy black. Go for these ones that are black and shiny, and give them a good wash to remove any dirt or insects that could be lurking.

If you fancy more foraging ideas, head to our foraging hub which includes advice on the best foraging books, an interview with expert forager and author John Wright, and plenty of foraging recipe ideas, such as how to make hazelnut butter or how to make rosehip syrup.

Ingredients

40g Blackberries
150g Caster sugar
Vodka, as much as will fit in your jar(s)
Cloves, or star anise

Methods

Step 1
Freeze your blackberries in a bag or Tupperware box overnight. This will mimic the first frost, which will make them sweet and juicy. The next morning, mix the frozen berries with the caster sugar in a bowl.
Step 2
Pour the berries and sugar into a sterilised jar (or distribute evenly between your bottles). I've also seen recipes that add a sprinkle of cloves (four or five) at this stage, or a star anise, but that is dependent on your own taste. Top up with vodka, seal securely and give a gentle shake.
Step 3
Pop your vodka in a cool, dry cupboard somewhere and shake it a few times in the first couple of weeks. Then forget about it for around three months. If you're harvesting in the autumn, this will make your vodka perfect for Christmas.
Step 4
Strain the contents of the jar or bottles through a muslin cloth and into a bowl, leaving the rich, dark purple liquid free from bits of fruit.
Step 5
Decant into clean sterilised jars or bottles and serve as a Christmas drink, either straight or with a mixer like soda water or lemonade.

This is a recipe from 365 Days Wild by Lucy McRobert, published by Harper Collins Publishers. Buy now from:

365 Days Wild by Lucy McRobert

Main image: Blackberry vodka. © Elena Kirey/Getty

Wildlife storyteller, communications expert and writer

Lucy McRobert is a wildlife storyteller, communications expert and writer. Her first book, 365 Days Wild offers 365 ways to make nature part of your life every day. She is a columnist for Birdwatch magazine and has written for BBC Wildlife, Bird Watching, and the acclaimed Seasons. She now works as the Communications Manager for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. In 2015 she was the researcher on Tony Juniper’s book, What Nature does for Britain. Passionate about encouraging the next generation of nature conservationists, she co-founded the youth nature network, A Focus On Nature. She is a keen birder and wildlife-watcher.

<em>Blackberry vodka. © Elena Kirey/Getty</em>