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–+ servings

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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 1.1 liters

Ingredients
  

Basic Ingredients
  • 15 grams cherry leaves approximately 50-60 leaves
  • 1 liter fruity red wine such as merlot or shiraz
  • 125 milliliters vodka
  • 100 grams sugar
Optional Botanicals (use only one per batch)
  • 12 whole black peppercorns
  • 3.25 grams dried culinary lavender
  • 1 whole vanilla bean split in half
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick approximately 8 centimeters or 3 inches long

Method
 

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

Notes

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