WILD BERRY BOUNCE RECIPE


   Summer being Wild Berry season, I thought some would enjoy this old time drink.
   This was one of my Dad's favorite things. The recipe was given to him by a old guy who was born and raised in the UP of Mich. I'm sure the original recipe go's back farther than that.

(1).a ½ gallon glass bottle, (clear glass is best) with a lid. If you want to make a double batch, you could use a bigger bottle if available.

(2). Add 1 qt of tart berries, thoroughly washed; 2 cups sugar, ( I like a tart bounce, so I add maybe a ¼ cup)  Add to this 1/5 of vodka or bourbon. (I prefer white Rum, by law it has to be aged for a year, so to my taste its makes a smoother drink).

(3). Seal and shake vigorously at least once a day. Follow this “bouncing” procedure for a month.

(4). Filter to remove berry mash. Use a jam bag or clean white sheeting for filtering.

(5). Do NOT discard mash! ( Trust me on this) For best clarity, several slow filterings through clean cloth or coffee filters works the best. If cloudiness occurs again, filter again.

  Bilberries,Wild Raspberries, Chokecherries and Thimble berries are excellent. Black berries are good as well. You can use domestic berries as well. Tart strawberries, pie cherries, raspberries are good too.
   I have even used the frozen bags of berries you find at the grocers, just thaw and use as fresh.
   As the bounce is brewing, you can taste and add more sugar to your taste. I'd go easy, the berries have a lot of natural sugar in them.

   Served as a cordial, or my favorite, chilled and poured over vanilla ice cream, you'll love it!!

   NOW what about that berry mash??? Well, here's the good part!
 Use the mash to make yourself some “adult” freezer jam. Don't make regular jam, you'll lose the alcohol in the berry mash Some Saturday morning, get up early, brew a good pot of coffee or tea, and take some English Muffins, homemade biscuits, Scones, or just some toasted white bread. Slather with some real butter, and a hearty dollop of your “adult” freezer jam.
   Sit on the deck enjoy the early morning sun or the fall colors and your Bounce jam!
  Warning, DON'T operate power tools, vehicles or any activity that requires sharp reflexes!
  There's a reason I call it “adult” jam  

  I forgot to mention you can use cheese cloth for your filter.
Its cheap and readily available.