Blackberry Cordial

By hlovell

When the blackberries are plenty, pick extra to make this blackberry cordial to enjoy all winter long. Serve as a dessert wine, or pour over a fruit compote.

Ingredients

• 4 cups blackberries, washed well
• 3 cups water
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves
• 4 to 5 black peppercorns
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups brandy

Preparation

Step 1

Place blackberries, water, , cinnamon, bay leaf , cloves and peppercorns in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring often and mashing the berries.

Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth without squeezing. The yield will be about 4 cups of blackberry juice. Stir in brown sugar while the liquid is still warm until sugar dissolves.

Let cool completely. Stir in brandy.

Sterilize jars by boiling the jars and lids for 10 minutes. Remove from water. Pour cordial into sterilized pint canning jars, screw on lids and store in cool, dark place for at least two weeks before serving.