Homemade Berry Liqueur

Gather Berries (at least 1 cup)

I used raspberries from my own backyard and locally picked blueberries but you can use any berries you like.

Other Supplies:

Vodka (or Gin or Rum)

White Sugar

Large Jars

Measure 1 cup berries to 1 cup of sugar.

Sterilize your jars by holding them over a steaming kettle for a few seconds. 

Make layers in the jar beginning with berries then a layer of sugar and then berries and so forth (as shown in the photos above).

Now there should be 2 cups in the jar (1 cup of berries and 1 cup sugar layered out)

Next pour in the vodka (2x the combined volume of berries & sugar) 

I used quart sized jars so after pouring in the vodka my jars were completely full to the top. 

Once the jars are full, swirl them around and keep them in a place where there is no direct sunlight for a few weeks. Swirl them a few times everyday. After a few weeks strain out the berries using a coffee filter and strainer. Bottle the remaining liquid (liqueur). Enjoy the liqueur alone or with added sparkling water or juice. 

Summer Solstice Sun Tea

Left: Fresh Lemon and Black Tea.         Right: Fresh picked Lemon Balm Leaves with Black Tea

Make Your Own Home Brewed Sun Tea:

1. Grab any old jar, I like to re-use old jam jars. Its better to have a lid so the bugs don't get in.
2. Fill jar with fresh water.
3. Add any kind of tea bag. I used Black Tea for mine.
4. Add fresh fruit slices (such as Lemon, Lime, Apple) or fresh berries (strawberries or blueberries are great) or herbs from your own garden (I like using fresh mint or lemon balm leaves). 
5. Place the closed jar(s) in a sunny window or spot outside.
6. Let the jar(s) sit in the sun until the tea seems to have steeped well. (I usually do a few hours)
7. Drink in the energy of the sun : )

White Clover Tea

1. Collect at least 1 cup of White Clover flowers (pictured above)
2. Rinse and strain the flowers well
3. Put flowers and water (3 cups water to 1 cup flowers) into a small pot
4. Boil for approximately 3 to 5 minutes
5. Pour through strainer and coffee filter and collect remaining liquid in tea pot or cups
6. Add honey as desired
7. Enjoy steaming hot or chilled over ice! 

*Add a handful of lemon balm or mint leaves before boiling to add flavor*

**Add real lemon juice and ice to make White Clover lemonade**