This Blackberry Liqueur, also known as Creme de Mure, is so easy to make and so delicious! Add a fruity richness to your cocktails. Sweet with loads of blackberry flavor!
Blackberry Liqueur (creme de mure)
Before you shake your head saying, "Oh boy, here is Pam again with another homemade liqueur," let me tell you my tale.
I kept seeing the Bramble cocktail popping up in my cocktail searches. It was created in 1984 by Dick Bradsell. It is basically a gin sour with the addition of creme de mure.
I wanted one.
So, I began searching the liquor stores in town for the elusive blackberry liqueur. One of the women at a larger store, pulled up something on her computer and said, rather dramatically, "You won't find it in this town."
Thinking she was a bit of a drama queen, I continued looking. Turns out she wasn't dramatic, she was right.
Then, as fate sometimes does, all the planets aligned and organic blackberries went on sale. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ingredients to Make Homemade Blackberry Liqueur
After purchasing the blackberries, I went searching for the details on how to make a blackberry liqueur. I figured it would be like most liqueurs - you let the fruit steep in vodka, then strain out the fruit and add a simple syrup.
Some recipes called for vodka only and some called for vodka and brandy. Some called for using red wine, which would give it a deep color, but I thought it would add too much of it's own flavor.
I settled on the version from Epic Guys Bartending on Youtube. Theirs was very similar to Serious Eats, but used less brandy and included a lime half.
- Brandy.
- Vodka - use your favorite brand, not too cheap and not high end, right in the middle.
- Blackberries - organic if possible.
- Lime - organic if possible since the lime half sits in the liquor for awhile.
- Simple Syrup (not pictured.)
How to Make Blackberry Liqueur
Step 1 - Place two cups of blackberries into a jar. Cover with vodka and brandy. Squeeze in juice from half a lime and drop the lime half into the jar. Put a lid on the jar and place it in a cool, dark place to steep for 4-5 days. Shaking it every day if you remember.
Step 2 - make a simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir, over medium heat, just until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Retrieve your jar of blackberries and liquor from it's steeping location.
Step 3 - Strain the infusion through a fine mesh strainer. You might want to strain it a couple of times and once through a coffee filer if you want a nice clean clear liqueur.
Step 4 - not pictured. Combine the simple syrup and the infused vodka/brandy. This is ready to drink right, now, but it gets even better with age.
What to do With Your Blackberry Liqueur?
First of all, make the Bramble cocktail! Then just get creative! Use it in place of other liqueurs in your cocktail recipes. Also, it is so good, you could just pour some into a pretty vintage goblet from your grandmother's china cabinet and sip it.
I'm sure I don't need to tell you that it would make an amazing gift for your cocktail loving friends! Just look at that gorgeous color!
If you're wondering why it's not darker, it has to do with how deep purple the blackberries were. Mine had a lot of red in them and my liqueur didn't come out quite so dark.
As for storing your liqueur, you can choose whether to refrigerate or not. Some people refrigerate their liqueurs and some store at room temperature. I personally store mine at room temperature. We almost always use them up within six months to a year, so we feel fine storing them in our liquor cabinet.
More Homemade Liqueurs
Limoncello - my most used liqueur - I use it in everything!
Spiced Pear Liqueur - this one is heaven for straight sipping.
Cranberry Liqueur - another one that makes an amazing gift. Perfect for festive cocktails.
Winter Solstice Brew - the most popular post on my blog and for a good reason!
Follow my Infusions Board on Pinterest for even more!
Blackberry Liqueur
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries
- 1 cup vodka
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ lime
- 1 cup simple syrup
Instructions
- Place blackberries in a jar. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the jar and drop the lime half in the jar. Top with brandy and vodka. Put a lid on it and shake it.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 5 days, shaking it every day.
- Strain blackberries our of the liquor using a fine mesh strainer. Strain again through a coffee filter if you want a clearer cleaner liqueur.
- Add the simple syrup to the strained liqueur.
- Store in bottles.
Joanne says
Is there a benefit and would you recommend I steep (step 1) the berries for 2 months instead of a few days if I have the time?
Pam Greer says
It shouldn't hurt it at all.
Patti says
Do the blackberries have to be fresh or can you use frozen? Thanks!
Pam Greer says
I would think that frozen would be okay, make sure they are thawed and drained good.
Daniela says
I made this and it was good! It was very nice and smooth to sip on its own. It didn't quite hold up/come through with a strong flavor in a Blackberry Bramble, curious to go buy some Giffard's and compare but this was a fun experiment. Thanks for the recipe.
Annie says
Hi,
What volume of liquer do you end up with using these quantities?
Thanks
Pam Greer says
About 2 1/2 cups of liquid.
Trish says
Hi Pam,
Thanks for the recipe, at what point is the lime added?
Thank you,
Trish
Pam Greer says
Sorry! I had it in the written instructions in the post, but missed putting it in the recipe card! I've added it to the card. Thanks!
Kim says
This looks amazing! Forgive my ignorance but do I squish the blackberries when I strain them?
Thanks!
Pam Greer says
No. You want to keep the liquid nice and clear.
Cookilicious says
Give this to me already! 🙂
Elaine says
I can see how easy it is to make this liqueur, yet how delicious it is. Love the color, and that fruity flavor must make it an incredible recipe to try. Really looking forward to it!
Pam Greer says
You'll love it!
EA The Spicy RD says
What a delicious way to use up blackberries, and the color is so pretty! I'd love to make this, along with your Spiced Pear liqueur-that sounds amazing too!
Pam Greer says
It's so good and so is the pear!
Krissy Allori says
Yum! I never thought of making my own but I will now.
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
Woah I do love blackberries and this liqueur would be sooo good with prosecco and a twig of rosemary! Sunday Brunch - I am looking at you!
Pam Greer says
It would be great with prosecco!