Villa Sentieri

Cherry Aperitif

If you’re not into the metric measurements, just toggle to the American ones. Select an inexpensive fruity red wine such as Merlot or Shiraz. Boxed wine is perfectly fine. I prefer to add only one additional botanical per batch so that I get the distinct flavor of cherries along with the added ingredient. If you come up with any good combinations, or other botanicals to add, please post a comment.

CourseBeverages
CuisineFrench

Servings	Prep Time
1.1liters	20minutes

Passive Time

7days

Servings	Prep Time
1.1liters	20minutes

Passive Time

7days

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

15grams cherry leavesapproximately 50-60 leaves
1liter fruity red winesuch as merlot or shiraz
125milliliters vodka
100grams sugar

Optional Botanicals (use only one per batch)

12 whole black peppercorns
3.25grams dried culinary lavender
1 whole vanilla beansplit in half
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stickapproximately 8 centimeters or 3 inches long

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Swirl the jar to completely dissolve the sugar.
Keep the jar at room temperature but out of direct sunlight.
Swirl the jar daily for seven days.
Strain and discard the solids.
Pour the aperitif into bottles with tight-fitting lids.
Refrigerate the aperitif several weeks before using.
Serve over ice with a citrus peel, if you would like.

Recipe Notes