Homemade dandelion liqueur is a golden or amber-colored drink with a characteristic honey aroma of spring, moderate sweetness and a delicate floral taste. Lovers of unusual alcohol will like it. Prepared according to a special method of keeping the petals in sugar.
Dandelions are best picked in warm sunny weather, while the inflorescences are open – early in the morning or in the morning. Immediately after the rain, the flowers contain little nectar, so they are unsuitable. Avoid plants near the road and other dusty places.
Suitable loving alcohol base except for moonshine with an unpleasant odor.
Ingredients:
- dandelion flowers – 250 grams;
- vodka (alcohol, moonshine) – 0,5 liters;
- sugar – 250 grams.
Dandelion liqueur recipe
1. Separate the petals from the receptacle: cut with a knife near the base or pull out each petal with your fingers (very laborious). Do not wash to leave nectar.
If you use whole inflorescences, the liquor will be bitter.
2. Pour petals and sugar in layers of the same thickness of 2-3 cm in a container for infusion. The first and last layer must be sugar, which, in addition to drawing out the flower extract, is also a preservative that protects against mold and fermentation.
3. Close the jar tightly. Put on the windowsill for 3-4 weeks. Shake every 5 days. Gradually, sugar will turn into syrup (noticeably on the second or third day), which is similar in color and consistency to honey.
If fermentation has begun in the container, add 10-15% of sugar from the initial amount from above.
In the first week of infusion, an unpleasant odor may appear, this is not scary, over time it will disappear by itself.
4. Strain the dandelion syrup through cheesecloth, squeeze out the petals (no longer used).
5. Mix syrup and vodka. Close hermetically. Put in a dark place for 3 months.
6. Drain the finished dandelion liquor from the sediment and pour into storage containers, such as bottles. It is advisable to withstand another 2-3 months. The taste will improve significantly.
Shelf life – up to 5 years. Fortress – 22-25%.