APPLE
LIQUEUR
2 1/2 lb Sweet apples 2 c Vodka
2 c Brandy 1
1/2 c Sugar
3/4 c Water
Our version of Applejack.
Wash
apples and remove stems. Cut into
wedges or slices and put into aging
container. Pour vodka and brandy
over apples, stirring with a wooden
spoon. Cap and age in a cool
place for 1 month. Pour liqueur mixture
through a fine cloth bag that
has been placed into a large bowl. Set bag
with apples into another
bowl to drain. Clean aging container, removing
any sediment. Pourstrained liqueur back into clean aging container. Twist the
top ofthe bag, and with the back of a wooden spoon, press out any liqueur
possible. Some apples are soft and easy to press. Others are hardand do not
permit as much juice to be pressed out. Pour releasedjuice into aging container.
Combine sugar and water into a smallsaucepan. Heat, bringing to a boil, stirring
constantly. Set aside tocool. When cool, add to strained apple liqueur in aging
container.Stir to combine. Cap container and let age for at least 1 more
month.Liqueur improves with additional aging. After aging time, checkclarity. If
any additional straining is needed, do it at this time.A fine wire mesh, cloth
or coffee filter is best for finer straining.When to desired clarity, bottle as
desired. Makes over 1 quart, readyin 2 months.Variations: Tart Apple Liqueur:
Use tart apples and increase thesugar to 2 cups; follow the recipe and
directions for Apple Liqueur.
Spiced Apple Liqueur: Add two 3-inch
cinnamon sticks and 10 whole
cloves to the initial ingredients. Let age
as directed, but remove before pressing liquid from apples. Good using either
sweet or tartapples.
Our version of Calvados: Use a good French brandy
in theApple Liqueur recipe.Quince Liqueur: Substitute the apple-like quince
fruit for the apples.