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GRISWOLD MOUNTAIN
Finely Handcrafted since 1996
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"Beer is a sign that God loves us and wants us to be happy." 
     ~ Benjamin Franklin

Griswold Mountain Home Brewing Recipes

Recipe for Amaretto Crème Cordials
by Frank Holes, Sr.

Heat water in microwave container (I like to use a measuring cup) for two minutes.  Slowly add sugar and fully dissolve, stirring often.  Place in the fridge to completely cool for ten to fifteen minutes. 

Pour sugar mixture into a large 1-2 gallon pitcher.  While stirring, add in the essence and vodka.  Be sure to rinse the essence bottle and get out every drop.  Stir in the creamer until thoroughly mixed.  Add cold water and stir well until mixture reaches one gallon.  Tint with red food coloring until you are satisfied with the color.

Check the taste.  You may want to add more vodka depending on the strength of the drink.  Be sure to only add 1/4 cup at a time, stirring well and checking the taste each time. 

Using a funnel, pour into a good glass bottle and seal.  We use the recappable beer bottles, similar to Grolsch bottles.  You can get these in green, brown, clear, and other colors, and in various sizes.  We like to use the big 28 oz cobalt blue bottles for gifts.  And you can make your own labels for these bottles too. 

It is very important to keep these bottles refrigerated, as the mix contains a dairy product.  Also shake the bottle thoroughly before serving, as sometimes a bit of separation will occur.  Be sure to shake before presenting a gift bottle as any separation will be seen through the bottle.

Amaretto cream makes a great after-dinner drink.  Use small cordial glasses or brandy snifters.  Always shake the bottle well before pouring.  It is great in hot coffee, and even in hot cocoa.  You can serve it with a dessert course, and even brunch.  We've even found it is great over vanilla ice cream in a large glass, like a float. 

What brands should you buy?  Since everything is homogenously mixed, don't worry about going with premium sugar or vodka.  The vodka will add virtually no taste, and is primarily used for the alcohol, so I'd go cheap on that.  If you can find a good amaretto coffee creamer, you can substitue it for the half-n-half.

This homemade recipe can provide you an excellent product for less than $10 per bottle.  And once your initial investment of equipment (bottles, funnel, bottle brush for cleaning) has been made, you only need to replace ingredients.  This will reduce you costs further. 

There are a number of great suppliers for cordial essences.  We've tried several different brands, and they are all very similar with positive results.  We recommend buying locally if you have that option, and mail order if necessary. 

Recipe for Blackberry Liqueur
by Frank Holes, Sr.

Blackberry Liqueur Recipe Directions:

In a large saucepot, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water until boiling.  Use a wooden spoon to stir and smash up the blackberries.  This will be thick, so stir constantly.  Reduce heat to medium, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat, and allow to cool.  Pour into a large mason jar or glass container.  Fill up to the top with rum.  If you want to make it extra special, substitute Blackberry Brandy for the rum.

Seal with a lid and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.  Be sure to strain the liqueur before serving or using in a recipe. 

You can use either fresh blackberries (be sure to wash them), or you can also use frozen berries (thaw first and save all juices).

Slight alternatives to the recipe including adding raspberries, 1/2 cup golden raisins, or a tsp. of vanilla to the boil.  These will give you slight differences in the final taste.  It might even be good with some mint.

Blackberry liqueur is very easy to create, and it’s great in a number of dessert recipes and drinks.  Thicken it up with a little cornstarch and corn syrup and serve over vanilla ice cream!  Also good in mixed drinks (especially with champagne drinks!).

You can add the sugary berry mixture (before adding the rum and bottling) to a wheat beer recipe or other light beer recipe prior to the fermentation stage.  We’ve even made a raspberry porter which was excellent!

One recipe I want to try out is adding this mixture to our basic crème soda recipe.  I’ll let everyone know how it turns out!