It's easy to make homemade Blueberry Vodka. Whether you enjoy blueberry cocktails or just want the health benefits from a blueberry tincture, this recipe is all you need. Homemade vodka infusions make great gifts too!
Blueberry Vodka For Your Health
Starting with health benefits, blueberries are very high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. It's only natural that you'd want to make a Blueberry Tincture to extract the health benefits.
In Russian, we call this Nastoyka (настойка). Some people believe that it helps medicinally with high blood pressure, neurological symptoms, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
What Does Blueberry Vodka Taste Like?
Homemade anything always tastes different that store bought processed foods. If you are hoping it tastes like Stoli Blueberry, it doesn't. There are no artificial flavors or the commercialized typical blueberry candy flavors. It has a natural blueberry flavor, with a slightly fermented after taste. Adding sweetness increases the blueberry flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need
- bottle of Vodka (750ml - 1 Litre)
- 1 pound (500g) fresh Blueberries
- Sugar Syrup (optional)
How To Make Blueberry Vodka
- Pour vodka into a large glass jar with a lid.
- Place the washed blueberries into the vodka and close the lid.
- Infuse for 2-3 weeks in a dark, room temperature location.
- Shake the blueberry mixture every few days.
- Strain through a cheesecloth and pour Blueberry Vodka into a bottle.
How to Make Blueberry Liqueur
It's easy to make a Blueberry Liqueur by adding sugar when your vodka infusion is complete. This allows you to control how sweet you want your liqueur. Start by making a sugar syrup, which ensures all the sugar granules are fully dissolved.
- Start by adding ½ cup of sugar syrup to the Blueberry Vodka.
- Taste and gradually add more sugary syrup until desired sweetness is reached.
- The more sugar syrup you add, you increase the sweetness, but decrease the alcohol base.
How to Make Sugar Syrup
- Bringing 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar to a boil until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Pour into glass bottle until you're ready to use.
Best Alcohol for Infusions
You can make a blueberry infusions with more than just vodka. You need to use alcohol with a high alcohol content, 40% - 50% by volume. Here are some suggestions;
- Vodka - preferred alcohol for infusing - 80 Proof or 100 Proof
- Gin - nice juniper berry notes with the blueberries
- Everclear - cannot be drunk after infusion - needs to be diluted down to 20-40% alcohol content
- Moonshine - ok, be careful with this one, Russians make Samogon which can be used to infuse flavors
- White Rum - slightly sweeter than vodka with a neutral flavor
How to Drink Blueberry Vodka
- Medicinally - as a tincture in a small amount
- Straight - in a glass with ice or in a shot glass
- Sip it - Blueberry Liqueur is easy to enjoy
- Cocktails - Blueberry Lemonade Vodka is easy to make - mix Blueberry vodka, lemonade, club soda and garnish with lemon slices and fresh blueberries
- Soft Drinks - mix with Ginger Ale, 7-Up, Tonic Water or Club Soda
- Juices - add to Cranberry Juice, Raspberry Juice or Grape Juice
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Taste - after 2 weeks of infusing, you might be happy with the flavors
- Don't Crush Berries - keep the blueberries whole, the colors and flavors will still be extracted. Crushing berries can sometimes turn your infusion cloudy.
- Honey - sweeten with honey instead of sugar
- Sugar Syrup - adjust as needed to recipe - leftover syrup can be used for your next batch, or in your morning coffee
Vodka Infusion Ideas
- Lemon Zest - infuse with zest of ½ a lemon (without the white pith)
- Vanilla Pod - slice in half and add to vodka. Remove after 3 days so it won't overpower the flavors
- Rosemary - add a small sprig of Rosemary to infuse for 2 days for a herb-y twist
- Cinnamon Sticks - add a warmth
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Yes. Frozen berries are available year round and are often cheaper than fresh berries. Allow frozen berries to thaw before adding to the vodka. The cheapest option is to buy blueberries when in season, or hopefully picked from your blueberry bush or wild blueberries.
What To Do With Leftover Blueberries?
It's a shame to throw away berries. Disclaimer: these Vodka Blueberries are potent!
- Freeze - place them ice cube trays with water to serve with drinks
- Bake - save them for baking, make alcoholic Blueberry Muffins
- Eat - you might enjoying eating them, the drunken blueberries are strongly infused
How Long Does Blueberry Vodka Last?
Strong alcohol does have a good shelf life. This recipe is best enjoyed within six months, but can last longer.
Vodka Infusion Recipes You'll Love
It's easier to make Blueberry Vodka than you think! All you need is 2 ingredients and patience while it infuses! Makes for a great gift that you can enjoy medicinally as a tincture, or not. Perfect addition to your Christmas or New Years dinner celebrations. Remember, enjoy in moderation. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Vodka 40 or 50 Proof
- 1 lb (500 grams) fresh blueberries
- sugar syrup optional
Instructions
- Pour vodka into a large glass jar with a lid.
- Place the washed blueberries into the vodka and close the lid.
- Infuse for 2-3 weeks in a dark, room temperature location. Shake the blueberry mixture every few days.
- Strain through a cheesecloth (or coffee filter). Pour Blueberry Vodka into a bottle. Add sugar syrup and sweeten to taste.
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