Quick Blackberry Brandy

I was offered a dram of blackberry brandy yesterday while collecting fruit from near Barnstaple. It was fabulous mellow, slightly sweet with a rich under current of spirit. It was so good I have diverted brambles already picked from jelly to alcohol.

This recipe is quick and ready to drink almost immediately (good after 5mins) but should improve

Equal parts bramble juice and 40% brandy

Soft dark brown sugar.

I used 1 pint bramble juice to a pint of brandy and 4 tablespoons of sugar Put blackberries on a very low heat to release the juice, keep an eye on them as you don't want them to boil, once the juice is liberated take off the heat(could be done in a low oven).

Strain through a fine mesh sieve, the berries could go in a pie and measure the juice, add the same of brandy, sweeten to taste. Really warming and fruity and antidote to any wet day!