Cranberry Rhubarb Liqueur

On the Menu Today~

Cranberry Rhubarb Liqueur

What is a Cordial?

What is a Liqueur?

A Cordial or Liqueur is an alcoholic beverage made from a distilled spirit, such as Brandy, Vodka or Rum, then flavored with fruit, cream, herbs, spices, flowers or nuts, and bottled with added sugar. Cordials are quite sweet and not aged for a long period of time. The resting period to blend or marry flavors, can be anywhere from a few weeks, up to a year. In the US, Liqueurs can also be called Cordials. In Germany Liqueurs or Cordials are called Schnapps and in Scandinavia, Aquavit. In some countries, a Cordial means a concentrated non-alcoholic fruit syrup. Many Cordials are served as after dinner "drinks" to help ad in digestion. 

This is the first time I have made a Cordial. 
I wanted to make a Cranberry Cordial last year, to serve for the Holidays but 
I didn't realize you needed to let it sit for a few months before enjoying....so on to this year! 

I knew if I started the Cordial now (August) it would definitely be ready for the Holidays. 
In my freezer I had a zip lock baggie with 1 1/2 bags (one full 12 oz bag plus 1/2 of a 12 oz  bag) 
of cranberries and 2 cups of rhubarb.... 
It's always a good idea to write the quantity on  bag... 
All I needed was the Vodka. 
The rhubarb and cranberries were frozen so I partially thawed them. 
This made chopping a lot easier.

In 6 weeks I will post an update as to the "Cordial process" and 
when it's ready to serve in December, 
I'll write a post and a review, along with a few "after" photos.

Cranberry Rhubarb Cordial

Ingredients

• 18 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries, partially thawed if frozen
• 2 cups diced fresh or frozen rhubarb, partially thawed if frozen
• 6 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 1/2 cups vodka
• 2 cups water

Cooking Directions

1. If you have access to a food processor, mince the cranberries and rhubarb to a fine pulp. Otherwise use a pastry blender or food chopper and coarsely chop the cranberries and rhubarb. Leave some cranberries whole, if desired. Put cranberries and rhubarb in a large glass jar.
2. Add sugar, vodka and water. Stir. Cover tightly and set in a dark place at room temperature for at least 3-6 months.
3. Before serving, strain cordial. Strain through double thickness of cheesecloth. Discard fruit.
4. Store cordial in a jar or decorative bottle with a tight fitting top.

Enjoy!

Update Photos:

Turn on some Christmas music..
Nibble on Hors d'oeuvres and
Sip a glass of this delicious cordial..
While you trim the tree~

Rhubarb, Cranberry, Liqueur,
Cocktail, Drinks, Appetizer

*Update: 
I served  this Delicious Cranberry Rhubarb Cordial on Thanksgiving. 
The color is gorgeous and
the taste is reminiscent of cherry cough syrup...
a very strong cherry cough syrup....
But in a good way.

It is definitely a sipper.. 
It can be served warm also....
This cordial turned out different, unique and delicious. 
A wonderful festive holiday "sipper"