Basil is a close relative of mint, the leaves of which are used as a condiment for meat and cheese dishes, as well as for making homemade spirits. We will look at a proven recipe for basil liqueur with a minimum set of ingredients. It will turn out moderately sweet dessert alcohol with a bright mint aroma.
For cooking, green or purple (regan) basil leaves are suitable. The choice of variety affects the color of the finished drink, and regan is also considered sharper. As an alcohol base, vodka, diluted alcohol or distillate (moonshine) of a high degree of purification is suitable.
Ingredients:
- vodka (alcohol 40-45%, moonshine) – 0,5 liters;
- fresh basil leaves – 100 grams;
- sugar (honey) – 150-300 grams;
- water – to reduce the strength (optional).
The amount of sugar or honey can be changed at your discretion. At first, I advise you to add half of the planned portion, and then sweeten the finished drink to taste. It is advisable to reduce the strength of the alcohol base before infusion, since basil contains a lot of essential oils and the addition of water irrevocably makes the finished infusion cloudy.
basil liqueur recipe
1. Cut the basil leaves into small pieces and put them in a glass container. Add sugar or honey (50-200 grams).
2. Dilute the alcohol base with water to the desired strength, given that after infusion, the alcohol content in the drink will drop by 2-3 degrees, and the addition of 1% sugar reduces the strength by 0,6%.
3. Pour the alcohol base into the container with the leaves. Stir, close tightly, put for 14 days in a dark place at room temperature. Shake every 2 days.
4. Strain the finished basil liqueur through cheesecloth or a kitchen sieve, squeeze the leaves well (no longer needed).
5. Taste it. Sweeten with sugar or honey if desired. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
6. Pour the drink into bottles for storage. Close hermetically. Leave for 3-5 days in the refrigerator or cellar to stabilize the taste.
If turbidity or sediment appears, filter through cotton wool.
The shelf life of basil liqueur is up to 3 years. Fortress – 25-34% (depending on the amount of sugar and the initial strength of the base).
