Blueberry-Apple Cordials

A homemade fruit-infused cordial combining fresh blueberries and applejack brandy with a hint of lemon zest. This deep purple spirit can be enjoyed neat or as a spritzer with sparkling wine.

8 servings
720 hr 32 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 strip wide strip lemon zest
  • 2 cups applejack brandy (such as Laird's Jersey Lightning)
  • ¼ cup Simple syrup (for serving)
  • 1 bottle Sparkling wine or club soda (for serving; optional)
  • 1 piece One 32-ounce jar; 3 layers of cheesecloth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine blueberries, lemon zest, and brandy in jar and seal tightly. Let sit in a cool dark place, shaking jar daily, until mixture is a deep purple color, about 1 month.

    43200 min

  2. 2.

    Strain mixture through cheesecloth into a pitcher or large bowl (do not press on solids or mixture will become cloudy) and add simple syrup to taste. Chill until cold, about 30 minutes.

    30 min

  3. 3.

    To make a spritzer, place 1 oz. cordial in a flute and top off with sparkling wine.

    2 min

  4. 4.

    Strained cordial mixture can be made 6 months ahead. Cover and keep chilled.