Save Deep ruby Black Currant Rum Liqueur is a vibrant, fruity treat crafted by infusing rich Jamaican rum with fresh blackcurrants. This homemade infusion results in a smooth, sweet drink characterized by its striking color and intense berry notes, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to your glass.
Save The process of slow-infusing fruit into spirits allows the flavors to harmonize and develop a complexity that store-bought liqueurs often lack. By including aromatics like vanilla and cinnamon, you create a sophisticated palate that balances sweetness with warm, spiced undertones.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 500 g fresh blackcurrants, washed and stemmed
- 750 ml Jamaican dark rum
- Sweetening
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split (optional)
- Optional Aromatics
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (avoid the white pith)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the blackcurrants in a large, clean glass jar or bottle (at least 1.5-liter capacity).
- Step 2
- Add the sugar, vanilla bean (if using), cinnamon stick, and lemon zest.
- Step 3
- Pour the Jamaican rum over the ingredients, ensuring the fruit is fully submerged.
- Step 4
- Seal tightly and shake gently to dissolve some of the sugar.
- Step 5
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 14 days, shaking gently every 2–3 days to help the flavors meld and the sugar dissolve.
- Step 6
- After 14 days, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding solids.
- Step 7
- Seal the bottle and let the liqueur rest for at least 2 more days before serving to allow flavors to harmonize.
- Step 8
- Serve neat, over ice, or use in cocktails.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a deeper and more concentrated berry flavor, you can extend the infusion period up to 1 month. Be sure to store the jar in a consistently cool, dark place to maintain the vibrant color and integrity of the fruit during the process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the liqueur to your personal taste. After the initial 14-day infusion, sample a small amount; if you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar and allow it to dissolve completely before bottling. While the vanilla and cinnamon are optional, they provide a lovely aromatic depth.
Serviervorschläge
This Black Currant Rum Liqueur is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it neat as a digestif, serve it over a large ice cube, or use it to elevate fruit-forward cocktails. It is also delicious when drizzled over desserts such as premium vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
Save Whether shared with friends or enjoyed during a quiet evening, this homemade Jamaican-inspired liqueur is a testament to the beauty of simple infusions. With its rich carbohydrates and zero fat content, a 50 ml serving provides a sweet, 135-calorie indulgence that perfectly captures the essence of summer blackcurrants.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How long does black currant rum liqueur need to infuse?
The infusion requires 14 days minimum for optimal flavor development. During this time, store the jar in a cool, dark place and shake gently every 2–3 days. For deeper flavor complexity, extend the infusion up to one month.
- → Can I use frozen blackcurrants instead of fresh?
Fresh blackcurrants work best for vibrant flavor and color, but frozen ones can be used in a pinch. Thaw them completely before adding to the jar, and expect slightly different results in terms of clarity and intensity.
- → What type of rum works best for this liqueur?
Jamaican dark rum provides rich depth and molasses notes that complement the blackcurrants beautifully. Aged dark rum or amber rum from the Caribbean also works well. Light rum will result in a less complex final product.
- → How should I store the finished liqueur?
Keep bottled in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Properly stored, this liqueur maintains quality for up to one year. Refrigeration isn't required but can help preserve freshness after opening.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely. Taste the liqueur after the initial infusion period. If you prefer it sweeter, dissolve additional sugar in a small amount of rum before stirring back into the main batch. For less sweetness, use less sugar initially or dilute with more rum.
- → What cocktails work well with black currant rum liqueur?
This liqueur shines in fruit-forward cocktails. Try mixing with sparkling wine, combining with gin and tonic, or shaking with citrus and simple syrup. It also adds depth to classic rum cocktails and creates beautiful layered drinks.