How to Make Cherry Pit Vodka and Liqueur

Cherry Pit Vodka (& Cherry Pit Liqueur)

When it comes to prepping, it’s essential to think outside the box and find creative ways to utilize every resource available to you. One often overlooked resource is cherry pits. These little gems are not only great for snacking on or using in recipes, but they can also be the secret ingredient in a unique and delicious homemade vodka or liqueur. In this article, we’ll explore how to make cherry pit vodka and cherry pit liqueur, and discuss their potential uses in a survival situation.

Why Use Cherry Pits?

You might be wondering why you should bother using cherry pits in your vodka or liqueur when you can simply enjoy the delicious cherries themselves. Well, there are a few reasons:

• Resourcefulness: As a prepper, it’s important to make the most of every available resource. Using cherry pits that would otherwise be discarded is an excellent example of resourcefulness.
• Unique Flavor: Cherry pits add a subtle almond-like flavor to the vodka or liqueur, giving it a unique twist that sets it apart from store-bought varieties.
• Health Benefits: Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that is converted into cyanide when ingested. While this might sound alarming, the amount of amygdalin in cherry pits is very low and is considered safe for consumption. Additionally, some studies suggest that amygdalin may have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties (although more research is needed).

Making Cherry Pit Vodka

To make cherry pit vodka, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:

• 1 cup cherry pits (thoroughly washed and dried)
• 1 bottle of vodka (750ml)
• A large mason jar or glass container with a tight-fitting lid

Here’s how to make cherry pit vodka:

1. Crack open the cherry pits using a nutcracker or a hammer. Be careful not to crush them, as this could release bitter flavors.
2. Place the cracked cherry pits in the mason jar or glass container.
3. Pour the vodka over the cherry pits, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Seal the container tightly and shake gently to mix the ingredients.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it gently every few days to encourage the flavors to infuse.
6. After the infusing period, strain the vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the cherry pits.
7. Transfer the cherry pit vodka back into the original bottle or into a decorative bottle for serving.

Taste your homemade cherry pit vodka to see if you’re satisfied with the flavor. If you find it too strong, you can dilute it with plain vodka or add a little simple syrup to sweeten it.

Making Cherry Pit Liqueur

If you prefer a sweeter and more flavorful option, you can try making cherry pit liqueur instead. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cherry pits (cracked)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 bottle of vodka (750ml)
• A large mason jar or glass container with a tight-fitting lid

Follow these steps to make cherry pit liqueur:

1. Place the cracked cherry pits in the mason jar or glass container.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. This creates a simple syrup.
3. Pour the simple syrup over the cherry pits.
4. Add the vodka to the jar, ensuring the cherry pits are fully submerged.
5. Seal the container tightly and shake gently to mix the ingredients.
6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
7. After the infusing period, strain the liqueur through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the cherry pits.
8. Transfer the cherry pit liqueur to bottles for serving.

Remember to taste the liqueur and adjust the sweetness if desired. You can add more simple syrup or dilute it with plain vodka to achieve your preferred flavor.

Potential Uses in a Survival Situation

Now that you know how to make cherry pit vodka and cherry pit liqueur, it’s important to consider their potential uses in a survival situation. Here are a few ideas:

• Medicinal Purposes: As mentioned earlier, cherry pits contain amygdalin, which has potential health benefits. In a survival scenario, this homemade vodka or liqueur could be used for its possible anti-inflammatory properties or even as a mild pain reliever.
• Bartering: Homemade alcohol can be a valuable bartering item in a post-disaster scenario. By using a unique ingredient like cherry pits, you’ve created a one-of-a-kind product that could be highly sought after by other survivors.
• Morale Boost: In tough times, a small luxury like homemade cherry pit vodka or liqueur can provide a much-needed morale boost and a sense of normalcy. Sharing it with your group can help maintain spirits and create a sense of camaraderie.

My 2 Cents

When it comes to prepping, it’s important to think creatively and find new uses for everyday resources. Making cherry pit vodka and liqueur is a perfect example of this resourcefulness. Not only do you maximize the use of cherry pits that would otherwise go to waste, but you also create a unique and potentially valuable product. Whether for medicinal purposes, bartering, or boosting morale, homemade cherry pit vodka and liqueur can have a place in your survival plans. So, why not give it a try and add a touch of creativity to your prepping efforts?