fourservingsOn a dark autumn or winter evening, play hostess to a group of friends by cooking a great meal for them and enjoy a good chat over a glass or two of this Apple, Pear and Tonka bean Liqueur. It is warm and cozy and so easy to make. This is definitely going to be an addition to the hamper baskets I plan giving out this Christmas.
No mata how hot your temper be, e no fit boil beans.
An African Proverb
Liqueurs are very easy to make with no special equipment required. All you need are three main things; a base liqueur, flavoring ingredients and a simple syrup. Whatever you decide to add to these three, is up to you. All you have to do is, put the ingredients together and let mother nature do the rest for you.
The choice of apples, pears and tonka bean in this recipe was mainly because, I wanted the liqueur to be indicative of autumn. The sweetness from the fruits paired with the coziness of the tonka bean made for the perfect autumn/ winter booze.
Let’s talk about Tonka Bean:
I got this ingredient from a company that specializes in quality spices, La Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Epices , I did not know neither had I seen anything like it before. Sweet like vanilla, nutty, herby, woody and somewhat spicy ,this spice is very complex in flavor.
How long does this liqueur take to mature?
Let the fruits steep from anywhere between 5 days to 2 weeks. Do not be worried about the fresh fruit rotting, the alcohol prevents any mold from growing on the fruit.
Watch video for quick recipe:
Apple and Pear Liqueur with Tonka Beans
Equipment
- 1 closeable jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 Tonka beans
- 4 apples
- 3 pears
- 70 cl Hendrick's gin
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add water, sugar and tonka beans. Boil for 10 minutes on high heat. Take off heat and allow to cool.
- Slice apples and pears. Add to the jar.
- Add gin and tonka bean syrup to the jar of apples and pears. Close the jar and place in a dark place for at least a week.
- Strain liqueur and pour in a whiskey decanter. Enjoy
