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Cranberry Liqueur

Cranberry Cocktails, Anyone?

JoAnne Lussier

Cordially Yours

The holidays are upon us and that means our lives become even busier than usual. The additional stress seems to be part of the menu, but if you like making homemade gifts this idea can work in your favor. Many people enjoy cocktails, so why not capitalize on that and kill two birds with one stone. I really don’t like that expression but it makes the point I am trying to convey. So many of us wear ourselves out trying to buy the perfect gift and often feel disappointed when it falls short upon receipt. Instead of adding more stress to your plate this year during our Covid crisis, keep it simple and spirited. It is easier than you think and sure to bring some oohs and ahhs coming from your friends and family.

Customize Your Gifts

Let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate booze if they are a drinker or like to entertain? I can’t tell you how many times I have participated in a Yankee Swap where a bottle of wine or vodka was tossed around from one guest to another like it was the last bottle on earth. You know exactly what I am talking about!  Making your own spirits can add an extra layer of enjoyment not only for the recipient but for you as well. Making your own liqueur or cordials gives you the ability to customize your gifts and have some fun while you are at it. I always appreciate gifts made with love and making consumable gifts are sure to be a hit.

Cranberry Craze

With so many holidays coming up over the next several weeks, spice up your grocery list with some ingredients that will do double duty for you in the kitchen and make dinner plans and gifts extra special this year. Cranberries are probably my favorite berry because they are so versatile year-round for beverages, cooking, and baking. Have you ever tasted cranberry wine? Our local New England wineries make outstanding seasonal wines and cranberry is just one of them. I love the tart taste these berries offer and cranberries served in one form or another are a hallmark of the holiday season. So, take it a step further this year and try indulging your taste buds in some cranberry liqueur, which you can make yourself. Really, you can do it!

Cranberry Liqueur

1 cup wine or water                                                  

1 cinnamon stick

1 cup sugar                                                                

1 lime, quartered and seeded or 2 Tbls. lime juice

12 ounces of cranberries                                           

knob of fresh ginger, thinly sliced

6 whole allspice berries                                            

2 cups alcohol (vodka, brandy, light rum)

Mason Jars https://amzn.to/31OaR6M

Heat wine or water with sugar, stirring until dissolved and boiling. This is the simple syrup needed for the recipe. If you opt to make the simple syrup with a white or red wine of your choice, understand that the alcohol content in the wine will burn off when it is boiled. Place cranberries, spices, lime, and ginger in food processor. Add the boiling simple syrup and process for 30-40 seconds. Pour into a container or large mason jar. Add the alcohol of your choice and cover tightly. Set aside for 1-2 weeks to blend flavors. Strain and rebottle.

Try to remember that most recipes can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, so consider this recipe as a guideline and just have fun with it. I have found that I tweak recipes after making the first batch. Doing so allows you to really customize your recipes and make them your own. You can even split the recipe and try different spices or types of alcohol.

***Keep accurate records! I promise you that you will forget what you did and not be able to duplicate it again. Been there, done that!

If giving as gifts, you can purchase decorative bottles or mason jars and make your own labels for that homemade touch. Enjoy!

If you like this recipe, check out my October blog for Spicy Fall Liqueur https://thewillowconnection.com/fabulous-fall-fun/

*The Willow Connection is a participant in Amazon Associates Affiliate Program. I may earn advertising compensation for links attached to my blog pages. I do not endorse products that I don’t or wouldn’t use myself.