Homemade quince tincture is remembered for its sweet-tart fruity taste with hints of citrus in the aftertaste and aroma.
For cooking, both ordinary (oblong) and Japanese quince (henomeles) are suitable. The fruits of the common quince are larger and shaped like a pear, while the Japanese quince looks like a small apple. In the first case, the taste of the drink will be more fruity, in the second case, the tincture will turn out to be more aromatic.
Vodka, diluted to 40-45% vol., is suitable as an alcohol base. ethyl alcohol or moonshine double distillation (preferably fruit). You can also take white rum or cognac (notes of aging will appear).
Quince tincture recipe
Ingredients:
- quince fruits – 1 kg;
- orange – 1 thing;
- vodka (alcohol 40-45%, moonshine) – 0,5 l;
- sugar (preferably cane) – 100-150 g;
- liquid honey – to taste.
The amount of sugar depends on individual taste preferences and the variety of quince. At the second stage of preparation, it is necessary to add at least 100 g of sugar, then you can sweeten the already prepared tincture.
Technology of preparation
1. Remove the core and seeds from the washed quince. Cut the pulp with the peel into small pieces.
2. Put the pieces in a jar. Add sugar (minimum 100 g). Close tightly, shake, leave in a warm room for 2-3 days until the quince releases juice and sugar turns into syrup. Shake once a day.
3. Wash the orange in hot water and wipe dry. With a knife or vegetable peeler, remove the zest from half of the fruit – orange skin without white bitter pulp.
4. Add the zest in the jar to the quince pulp. Pour in the alcohol base (moonshine, vodka or alcohol). Squeeze out the juice of one orange.
5. Stir, seal tightly, transfer to a dark place at room temperature. Insist 30 days. Shake every 5 days.
6. Strain the finished quince tincture through gauze, squeeze out the pulp. Taste the drink, sweeten with sugar or honey to taste.
7. Pour into bottles for storage, seal tightly. To improve the taste, it is advisable to leave the tincture in the refrigerator or cellar for 2-3 months, but you can drink it right away.
If sediment or turbidity appears, if desired, filter through cotton wool or a coffee filter so that the drink becomes transparent. Filtration only improves the appearance and does not affect the taste in any way.
When stored away from direct sunlight, the shelf life of homemade quince tincture is up to 3 years. Fortress – 25-30% vol.