Amaretto Liqueurbeverages 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup water 2 dried apricot halves 1 tablespoon almond extract 1/2 cup pure grain alcohol and 1/2 cup water 1 cup brandy 3 drop yellow food coloring 6 drop red food coloring 2 drop blue food coloring 1/2 teaspoon glycerin Combine sugar and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. In an aging container, combine apricot halves, almond extract, grain alcohol with 1/2 cup water, and brandy. Stir in cooled sugar syrup mixture. Cap and let age for 2 days. Remove apricot halves. (Save apricot halves, as they may be used for cooking). Add food coloring and glycerin. Stir, recap and continue aging for 1 to 2 months. Re-bottle as desired. Liqueur is ready to serve but will continue to improve with additional aging. Variation: For a more prominent 'bitter almond' flavor, add 4 apricot nuts,** split in half, to basic mixture. Leave in for 2 days to 2 weeks depending upon depth of flavor desired. Remove and discard apricot nuts. Continue as directed. **Note: Apricot 'nuts' come from within the apricot pit. You may split pits yourself or obtain them dried at a health food store. |
