Crème de Cassis Recipe (Black Currant Liqueur)

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Crème de Cassis recipe, a French black currant liqueur, sweet and full of flavor. Perfect for making cocktails.

An easy crème de cassis recipe that might come in handy if you happen to have a black currant bush in your garden. Or if you happen to know anyone who has one.

Flavorful black currants mixed with sugar and soaked in strong spirit for about two weeks. And the result? An aromatic black currant liqueur, perfect for making cocktails or for enjoying as it is.

Not to mention that you can add some of it to savory sauces, desserts or cakes.

And if you do happen to have black currants in your garden, you could try this black currant jam.

Ingredients

Black currants:

• You will need 1 kg/ 2.2 lbs.
• Unfortunately, unlike red currants, black currants are very difficult to buy at the farmer’s market or in the supermarket.
• They grow very easily in the garden and a bush can provide you with lots of currants every year.
• So, if you manage to get your hands on some, try the cassis recipe, I think you would not be sorry.

Spirit:

• Something strong and rather neutral-tasting like vodka.
• Vodka is always my first choice, but I’ve also made the liqueur with brandy or with German Korn, which is a clear, very strong spirit made of grains.
• Not something I would drink as it is, but perfect for making homemade liqueurs of any kind.

Vanilla:

• A vanilla pod is best.
• However, if you don’t have it, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract would be fine.

Sugar:

• White rock sugar. (Amazon affiliate link)

How to make black currant liqueur?

• Wash and thoroughly drain the black currants.
• Remove the stems and pick them well to remove spoiled berries.
• Place them in a large jar and add the alcohol, split vanilla pod (or extract), and sugar.
• Seal the jar and place it in a dark place.
• Let stand for two weeks.
• Strain and fill the cassis in clean bottles.

How to use cassis?

Cocktails:

• My favorite mixture is cold white wine with a small shot of crème de cassis.
• Sparkling wine with a shot of cassis.
• 1:1 vodka and apple juice + a shot of cassis.
• 1:1:1 bourbon, cassis, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Salad dressings:

• Try it in this amazing Prawn Salad.
• Or add just a touch to any other salad dressings.
• You can make a savory sauce for serving with duck or goose breasts.

Desserts:

• I added some to this red currant cake for a bit of extra flavor.
• Or try these dessert pears.

More preserved drinks:

Vanilla Honey Liquor

Elderflower Gin

Elderflower Syrup (Homemade Elderflower Cordial)

How to Make Mint Syrup

How to Make a Simple Strawberry Syrup