Homemade Creme de Cassis

This Creme de Cassis recipe will make a homemade liquor that you can use in cocktails, add to wine or champagne or just drink on its own. All you need is black currants, vodka and sugar. It's sweet, dark, delicious and easy to make!

Most of you know I love to grow as many things as I can every year. When we moved into our house a few years ago I planted a black currant and white currant bush. It took a few years to get a decent crop other than the occasional handful, but this year it happened! I was so excited of course I posted a photo of my beautiful black currants. One of my good friends saw the photo and immediately said: "you should make creme de cassis". After a quick head smack 🤦🏼‍♀️(also one of my favorite emojis), I thought to myself: "Of course I should!!"

First, what is Creme de Cassis? Well, cassis is the French name for blackcurrants and creme de cassis is a liqueur made from blackcurrants steeped in neutral spirits, with lots of sugar added. I've actually always loved creme de cassis and it's pretty easy to find at your liquor store. Now I can make my own! Here's how you do it:

Ingredients:

2 cups black currants, rinsed

3 cups vodka (any will work but remember the cheaper you use, the cheaper it tastes)

1 cup sugar (I used demerara but you could use regular sugar or whatever type you like)

1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. Place the black currants, vodka, sugar and cinnamon stick into a large jar that seals (like a mason jar).

2. Place the lid on the jar and shake all of the ingredients together very well. Store in a cool dark place.

3. For 2-3 months, shake the jar every 2-3 days (or as you remember).

4. Strain mixture and place in your favorite sealable bottle. 2-3 more moths of maturing and you will have some amazing Creme de Cassis to enjoy.

This would also make an awesome gift. Since currants grow in the summer, you have just enough time to create a creative and delicious Christmas gift!

What to use Creme de Cassis for:

1. Cocktails! (see one of my recipes below or HERE)

2. Add to champagne

3. Add to white wine

4. Digestif or aperitif

Creme de Cassis Cocktail

Ingredients:

1½ oz. Gin

½ oz. Creme de Casis

½ oz. fresh lemon juice

½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice

1 egg white

Directions:

1. Add egg white to empty shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients along with ice and shake again for another 20 to 30 seconds.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with lemon or grapefruit peel and enjoy!