SOUR CHERRY LIQUOR

Poland

Fermented Sour Cherry Alcohol  (Very Potent)

• A clean atmosphere, and safe storage are needed for this recipe.
• Prepare with care, this is for the connoisseur of fine liquor flavors.

Ingredients:

Ripe Sour Cherries (cleaned and pitted)
Ripe Sour Cherries (cleaned with pits -whole)
Sugar
1-2 bottles of 26 oz Polish Spiritus (for traditional recipe)

or substitute Whole grain alcohol (85 proof and up)

Method:

Wash, sterilize, and clean a fermentation/brewing container (this can be a bucket or other type of large container), preferably a wine fermentation glass bottle.  In the container, place a thin layer of un-pitted cherries.  Cover this layer of cherries with a layer of sugar, just until all the cherries are covered.  Then make another layer of pitted cherries on top or the first layer (5 times as thick as the first layer), and then also completely cover with sugar.  Repeat the layering instructions until you fill the container or bucket to full capacity.  When your container is full of sour cherries and sugar, cover or seal the container, make sure to allow for some breathing room as gas may escape during the fermenting process (a clean covered breathing hole is sufficient).    Place this container in a cool dark place (preferable a wine cellar) and let it sit and ferment for approximately 2-3 weeks.  The longer the mixture sits the more flavor the cherries release.  Once the fermentation processes is complete, strain out the fermented sour cherry juice (which will be approximately 10-15% liquor content), and add in the whole grain liquor or spiritus to taste.  Make sure the mixture is not too potent and that the cherry flavor adequately masks the alcohol.  The ratio of pitted cherries to un-pitted cherries should be 5:1. The more un-pitted cherries are used, the more bitter the juice.  Also note: that the cleaner and more pure the alcohol used (i.e.: Spiritus); the better the end product will taste.

Serve very chilled - Small portions only

*** This is a very powerful liquor recipe, for adult consumption only ***

*** Sip the cherry liquor over ice or chilled, savor the sweet/sour flavors ***

*** Do not drink more than 3 ounces per sitting, or in a single evening ***

*** Keep away from children at all times ***

*** Store in a sealed bottle, in a dark and cool cellar or fridge ***

*** Drink responsibly, drink slowly, great after dinner drink ***