Rowan tree, like a birch, has long been considered a symbol of Russia. And also - a symbol of golden autumn. It is unusually beautiful: bright scarlet berries, gathered in lush brushes, against a background of green foliage with a slight yellowness. However, many nations appreciated the curly enchantress. In Europe, it is believed that the mountain ash protects against evil spirits, because it is often planted near the house, at the gate as a talisman-amulet. And, in addition, medicinal tinctures, delicious drinks, jellies and even jam are made from berries.
Tincture with sugar
For tincture of mountain ash, it is better to harvest berries in late autumn, when the first frosts slightly “beat” them. Then the fruits somewhat lose their characteristic bitterness and astringency. True, you can get ahead of the birds. Therefore, nevertheless, collect a certain amount on fine sunny days, while the brushes are still not bent, fold in the refrigerator and use as necessary. And for the proposed tincture of mountain ash you will need: ripe berries - 400 gr., Sugar - 100 gr., A bottle of ordinary vodka (with a capacity of 0.7), degrees from 35 to 40 (i.e., soft). Try to take alcohol without flavors and impurities. Rinse, washed and dried berries for a week in the freezer. Then they need to be thawed in a microwave or oven, holding until the skin begins to wrinkle and burst. Due to this, the tincture of mountain ash will not have a bitter taste, and the fruits will freely give their juice and coloring matter to the drink. Sterilize the bottle. Pour vodka into it, add berries and sugar, cover with an airtight stopper and shake well. Let the drink stand in the kitchen for 2-3 days, shake it from time to time to completely dissolve the sugar. Then place the blank for tincture of mountain ash in a dark place for 3 months. It should be well saturated with natural berry ingredients. After the specified time, remove the bottle, strain the contents / filter through cheesecloth and leave it to "reach" for another month. And only after that the healing, delicious, infused drink is ready to drink. If you want, you can add a little more sugar to it.
Rowan tincture with dried fruits
If you are interested in how to make a sweeter tincture of mountain ash, then read this recipe. You will need: berries - 350 gr., Dried fruits (raisins, apples, cherry plum, lemongrass) - 650-700 gr., Sugar - 250 gr., Vodka - 1 liter. Rinse fruit berries, dry, fall asleep in a large container. Sprinkle them with sugar, and then pour alcohol. It is important that it completely covers the fruit. Tie the neck with a linen rag or gauze and place in a dark place for 3 months. Then strain the drink, distribute it in bottles and drink with pleasure. Store in a dark place.
Home-made moonshine with aronia
And finally, another useful recipe: berry tincture of moonshine.
Cooked on
aronia , this homemade drink turns literally into the nectar of the gods. What you need: alcohol - about 1 liter or a little less, 150 gr. berries, 100 gr. - cherry leaves, 300 gr. sugar, 1.5 liters of boiled cold water. The technology is this: boil mountain ash and cherry for 15 minutes, throw it in a colander. Pour sugar and vodka into the broth, insist 3 weeks, filter and treat yourself!
May these drinks benefit you!