We were fortunate to have a large patch of raspberry canes already established when we took on our plot. Both summer and autumn varieties jumbled together with thick clumps of weeds and a small, unloved asparagus bed. Tidying up that lot is still on the to-do list but, despite the clutter, we’ve already picked lots of ripe fruit.
Raspberries are a fantastic fruit for the home brewer being the key ingredient in a number of wine, liqueur and even beer recipes. And the first boozy brew to paint the plot red with is raspberry vodka.
Our raspberry vodka recipe
Unless you’re a vodka connoisseur, stick with the cheap stuff. It’s the berries that do the work here. And the firm but ripe berries have a better flavour than the soft, squidgy, darker fruit. For each 70cl bottle of vodka you’ll need 100g of raspberries and between 110g and 120g of sugar depending on taste. I go for the lower end because I prefer my fruity drinks slightly on the tart side (and it’s easier to add sugar than to take it away after an initial tasting).
From here it’s easy – simply put the ingredients into clean, sterilised jars or bottles with tight fitting lids and give them a shake every day for three months (although if you forget to shake on some days, or even weeks, it’s not the end of the world). The vodka will taste pretty good after three months, when you can top up with more sugar if required, but you should ideally try to hold on for six months before bottling ready to drink. It will then continue to improve with age.
For an equally delicious raspberry gin follow the same instructions above but use gin instead of vodka.
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Hi really want to try your Raspberry Vodka & Blackberry Brandy recipes but just want to ask have the jars/bottles got to be glass or can they be plastic? Also my flat is quiet warm is there anywhere in particular that these should be stored? Thanks!
Hi Alane
This is a question we’ve been asked before and I’m afraid I don’t have a definitive answer. My hunch is that because there are so many different plastics out there it would be a bit of a risk to use one for strong alcoholic drinks, particularly as I can imagine they might taint the flavour. Glass is a much better option.
I wouldn’t worry too much about where they’re stored, just find the coolest spot you can (back of a cupboard, maybe). You can also keep them in the fridge or freezer.
Good luck with making them.
nick