Blackberry liqueur (Crème de mûre)

Directions

1. 1
   Pick over the blackberries and remove any stalks or leaves. Tip into a large ceramic or glass bowl and pour over the wine. Use a potato masher to crush the fruit into the wine. Cover with a tea towel and leave to macerate in a cool place for 2 days, mashing occasionally.
2. 2
   Pour the mixture through a plastic sieve, then pass again through the sieve or a colander lined with a square of muslin to remove any bits. 3 Tip the juice into a pan and add the sugar.
3. 3
   Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer for 5 mins. Leave to cool, then stir in the vodka or gin. Using a small jug, pour into bottles, then seal and label. Its ready to use straight away. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 1 year.