Kirsch – what is it, the composition and strength of the drink, the rules of use and preparation at home

Kirsch is a traditional German spirit made from cherries and is renowned for its sweet fruit-filled flavor. It can range from 20-45% proof depending on the distilling method used but is best enjoyed when mixed in cocktails such as the Kir Royal or the White Lady. With its unique taste and refreshing aroma, Kirsch can also be prepared at home by soaking pitted cherries in 180-proof grain alcohol and left to steep for three weeks. This method yields a powerful drink that is sure to tantalize the taste-buds and provide a delightful and distinct experience.

The content of the article



This is a drink that is also known as Kirschwasser – a strong transparent distillate from cherries, in a simple way – a fragrant tincture on a cherry, which contains about 37-43 degrees of strength. Real kirsch (kirsch) is made from Morello black cherries, but today, producers often take red cherries as a basis. The name “Kirschwasser” is of German origin, the translation of which means “cherry water”, and the Germans really know a lot about the correct “water”.

What is kirsch

In essence, kirsch is cherry vodka, fruit brandy, moonshine or tincture. It is difficult to classify it as a particular class of alcohol. The main secret of kirsch is that they do not take out the seeds from the cherry – they give the almond characteristic flavor. There is a difference between this drink and the classic berry liqueur or cognac: the sweet taste of a real kirschwasser mixes with a slightly bitter specific almond, there is no sugary accent. There is an incomparable pure saturated aroma of cherries with nothing, for which the Germans are kirsch and respect.

Kirsch production

Production of kirsch is the whole art of distillation distillation of fermented wort, which the French and Germans comprehended in the 17th century. For the most part, the drink is made in the regions of eastern France and western Germany, where black sweet cherry with a small seed grows in the Black Forest. Switzerland and Austria are engaged in the production of kirsch. Each country produces alcohol in its own way: the Germans focus on the fortress of cherry cherry, striving for a high degree, while the French highlight the taste and aroma qualities:

  1. The process of making cherry vodka is at first glance simple. Pitted cherries cooked on kirschwasser are first crushed with a press.
  2. After the fruits are left in a dark room for fermentation inside closed glass vats – not in oak barrels. Because of this technique, alcohol tincture is colorless; it is completely transparent; in such vessels the necessary evaporation process takes place. By tradition, the vats were buried in the ground.
  3. The future kirsch cherry wanders about a month. You can store tincture for 2-3 years. It is advisable to save in the cold – the refrigerator or the basement is ideal.

Drink Kirsch Wasser

Use

Cherry kirsch is not only consumed in its pure form, it is a component of some cocktails such as Florida, Black Forest, Major Tom, Lady Finger, Kirsch & Cassis and Rose. Add kirsch to liquors and champagne. One of the most popular cocktails – Rose (Rose) – is prepared in a similar way: it takes 45 ml of vermouth, which gives an herbal flavor, 15 ml of kirsch (which is the basis) and 15 ml of cherry brandy, which nourishes the cherry smell even more. According to the rules, a cocktail glass is decorated with a border made of a mixture of grenadine with sugar and cherry.

Cocktail rose

In addition to the use in cocktails, “cherry water” is often used for baking. The famous juicy German cake “Black Forest” (another name – “Black Forest”) is impregnated with it. Kirshvasser – part of the dessert “Anniversary of Cherries”, the so-called Queen Victoria’s dish. Tincture is used as a filling for chocolates. Figures kirsch in Swiss cheese fondue.

Read more  Shish kebab on mineral water - how to cook properly and tasty at home according to step by step recipes with photos

Black Forest Cake

Kirshwasser at home

  • Time: 28-30 days.
  • Servings Per Container: 10 Piles.
  • Calorie dishes: 235 kcal.
  • Purpose: lunch, dinner.
  • Cuisine: German.
  • Difficulty: Easy.

Vodka infused with cherries has long ceased to be something special, but its taste every time pleases. There are several methods for preparing kirsch: you can insist “cherry water”, or you can cook by exposure to yeast and distillation. A traditional, real kirschwasser is worth buying in the store, as its base is black cherry. But even at home, the drink will be excellent: with a mild flavor and a stunning aroma. You can serve fruit tincture to the table for lunch or dinner – and a good mood is guaranteed!

Ingredients:

  • cherry (or cherry) – 600 grams;
  • vodka – 0.5 liters;
  • water – 200 ml;
  • sugar – 300 grams.

Cherry in a basket

Cooking method

  1. Choose ripe fresh berries. Wash the fruits thoroughly and make a few small cuts on each. Cherry (sweet cherry) should not fall apart. Do not take out the bones – thanks to them, the tincture acquires an almond flavor.
  2. Place the berries in a saucepan of a rather large diameter. Then fill them with sugar – 300 grams. Fill the pan with water (200 ml) and put on low heat.
  3. It is required to bring the future kirsch to a boil – do not forget to stir the mixture all the time. When sugar dissolves, the surface will go in bubbles and steam, feel free to remove the pan from the burner.
  4. After the kirschwasser has cooled to room temperature, add vodka and thoroughly mix the mixture.
  5. Pour the liquid into the sterilized bottle, tightly plug it and place it in a dark place for exactly one month. Shake the drink every few days..
  6. After the necessary time, it is necessary to filter the liquid (through gauze or cotton wool), squeezing all the berries of cherries or cherries, and fill the bottle with a finished drink for storage. The remaining berries will no longer be required. Close tightly the bottle.
  7. Serve the famous kirsch to the table slightly chilled.

Cherry tincture in a glass

Rate the article
( No ratings yet )
Recommender Great
Tips on any topic from experts
Comments: 2
  1. Oakley

    Can anyone provide information on kirsch? Specifically, I would like to know what it is made of, what its alcohol content is, how it is typically consumed, and if there are any specific instructions or recipes for making it at home. Thank you in advance for your help!

    Reply
  2. Amelia Thompson

    What exactly is kirsch? Can you provide some information on its composition and the strength of the drink? I’m also curious about the rules of using and preparing kirsch at home.

    Reply
Add comments