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Safe methods for home made liquor #876773

Asked July 11, 2024, 1:15 AM EDT

I am making some cherry rum and some cherry Cinnamon vodka out of fresh cherries. The recipe doesn't involve any processing, etc. and I want to be sure it's safe. Here is the recipe: Fill a sterilized mason jar 2/3 full of fresh clean de-stemmed cherries, whole. Add vodka/brandy to cover cherries by at least 1 inch. Add 1 T sugar and cinnamon sticks/vanilla beans if desired. Shake until sugar dissolved. Store in cool dry place for at least a month. Agitate several times. Drink! Is this method safe? I used 4o proof rum and 100 proof vodka. Would it make a difference if I use a higher proof like everclear? Doesn't that kill anything?

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Gail,

Thanks for the question. At this high of an alcohol content, the microbial risk is controlled; however, I recommend that you half the cherries and remove the pits. There are toxic compounds in cherry pits that could leach into the alcohol during this process.

Thanks for using Ask Extension!
Joy 
Joy Waite-Cusic Replied July 12, 2024, 12:07 AM EDT
Thank you, Joy!

Gail

Gail Tinkham, SHRM-CP (she/ her)

Human Resources Specialist 
University of Oregon | Central Business Services Office

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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2024 9:07 PM
To: Gail Tinkham <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Safe methods for home made liquor (#0146691)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT

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