Nalewka Wisniowa

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour the sour cherry juice into a small saucepan, add the caster sugar, and warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not let it boil; gentle heating keeps the cherry flavor bright and prevents excessive evaporation.

2. 2

   Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the sweetened cherry syrup cool for about 5 minutes, until just lukewarm; adding alcohol while it is too hot will dull the aroma.

3. 3

   Pour the lukewarm syrup into a jug or bottle and add the vodka. Stir or shake briefly to combine. Taste and adjust only if needed: it should be sweet, tart, and warming rather than harsh.

4. 4

   Serve immediately over ice for a quick homemade version, or chill if you have extra time. Divide between 2 small glasses and serve cold.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

• •This is a fast, beginner-friendly shortcut version inspired by traditional nalewka; classic homemade versions are usually steeped and matured for weeks or months.
• •Use unsweetened sour cherry juice for the best balance; if your juice is already sweetened, reduce the sugar by 20-30 g.
• •For a fuller, more traditional profile, a small strip of lemon zest or a piece of cinnamon can be infused during warming, then removed before bottling.
• •Serve in small cordial glasses after a hearty meal, or alongside simple cakes and chocolate desserts.

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