A nice tipple during a warm summer evening always sounds like a good way to end the day. I also feel like I'm worth the extra effort to make it a little more special by adding a garnish or two that took just a little bit of time to make.
Savoring the flavors of summer by preserving, using different methods, is one of those summertime activities that have become a standard yearly tradition for me. Adding a bit of booze is a great way to enjoy the preserving liquid as well as the preserved fruit.
Here's what you'll need:
1 pint jar with tight fitting lid
1 pint fresh blueberries (I would recommend your local farmer's market)
1/2 cup simple syrup (recipe follows)
1/2 cup of your favorite whiskey or brandy (gin or vodka will work as well)
Here's what you'll do:
- Make your simple syrup by boiling 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 cup water in a small pot until the sugar is dissolved. Give it a stir with a spoon and set aside to cool. This can be done up to one week in advance and kept in the fridge.
- Sort through the blueberries and pick out any that are mushy and remove any twigs or leaves.
- Gently wash the rest of the blueberries and lay them on a towel to dry. You can gently roll them around on the towel to expedite drying, but it's okay if they have a little moisture left on them.
- Add blueberries to your pint jar until just full or until your have no more blueberries. You can eat the leftover blueberries or make another jar if you bought extra, just double the simple syrup recipe.
- Pour the cooled simple syrup into the jar until it fills about half of the jar. You can use the leftovers to make cocktails or save in the freezer for your next batch of blueberries.
- Fill the rest of the jar with brandy or whiskey until it just covers the blueberries and seal the jar tight. Give it a swirl to mix the ingredients.
- Keep in your fridge for at least 3 days before using. These will then keep in the fridge indefinitely.
- Use in your cocktails, including a spoonful or two of the liquid, or spoon over ice cream for a boozy treat. These can even be given as gifts.
- Enjoy!
