Last year we had an abundance of blackcurrants in our little garden, and I mean an abundance! I spent hours stripping the small juicy berries of the bushes and it looked like they had barely been touched!

Now, since I have been slowly adapting to the good life (and got a little bored with the picking), I decided to first of all make some Creme de Cassis for our Hogmanay celebrations at the end of the year, which was very much enjoyed to bring in the bells!

This recipe couldn’t be simpler, it just takes some patience (in the picking and the waiting!)

Ingredients (Makes approx 1 Litre of liqueur)

1kg Blackcurrants
340g Caster Sugar
500ml Brandy

Also handy to have is a 2 litre Kilner Jar and some Muslin!

Method

• Once you pick your blackcurrants make sure all stems and leaves are removed and give them a quick wash to remove any debris (or bugs!).
• Dry gently on a clean dish towel.
• Place the blackcurrants into your Kilner Jar and give them a gentle crush with a spoon to open out the berries and let the juice out.
• Next add the sugar and brandy and give it a good stir until well mixed.
• Place the filled jar in the sunshine (or daylight depending where you live!) until the sugar has dissolved, stirring daily for about a week.
• Then transfer to a cool dark place to let the magic happen. Keep here for at least month, but the longer the better to get that deeper colour and flavour.
• Once ready, strain the liqueur through the muslin cloth into a jug or bowl, don’t be tempted to squeeze the blackcurrants as it will cloud the liquid. Just be patient and leave them to drain.
• Finally, pour your cassis into your sterilised bottles and seal tightly. Store somewhere cool and dry, to enjoy with fizz when the time is right!

You will be left with a pile of boozy fruit which can be turned into a delicious jam rather than thrown away!

We have enjoyed the copious amounts of creme de cassis I have made over the last 6 months, and still have some left to enjoy as we move into Spring and we get some sunshine! There is always time for some fizz!