Homemade Scented Geranium Liqueur
This intensely captivating botanical liqueur will send you into raptures of fragrant bliss. Scented geraniums are among the most exquisitely scented plants I've ever experienced. And their intoxicating scent translates beautifully into this elegant drink. You can make this herbal liqueur by growing varieties with fragrances such as rose, lemon, orange, as well as various other fruits, spices, and more. This liqueur is simple to make, with only three ingredients, and the enchanting flavor is so much more than the sum of its parts. And it's ready in only a few weeks. This drink is gorgeous to sip on its own or to add to cocktails for an incredibly special botanical twist.
Ingredients
- 90 g fresh, whole, clean scented geranium leaves
- 750 mL vodka, 40% ABV, about 3 ¼ cups, 80 proof
- 245 g granulated sugar, about 1¼ cups
Instructions
- Make sure your scented geranium leaves are clean and undamaged. Keep them whole and handle them gently when using.
- Add the leaves to a clean airtight 2-liter wide-mouth jar. Pour the vodka over them.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar about once daily for two weeks, then every other day for another week or two, tasting as you go. Continue steeping until the scent and flavor are fully developed to your liking. Don't worry if still harsh; the addition of sugar will soften this. Generally the steeping time is around 3-4 weeks.
- Strain the leaves out of the vodka using a strainer or colander. Do not squeeze the leaves.
- Return the liquid to the jar and add the sugar. Stir or seal and shake the jar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Use a funnel to pour the liquid into a clean, airtight 1-liter bottle. Store the bottle at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer. Serve chilled and/or over ice.
Notes
There are so many deliciously fragrant scented geraniums that you can grow, enjoy smelling all summer, and then when you have enough leaves, make this liqueur. Feel free to experiment and try different varieties!
Don't worry if your liqueur tastes strong and harsh before adding the sugar. This is normal. The sugar will soften it, and bring out the beautiful botanical notes from the leaves. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!