No. 3412 — Quick Nalivka
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3412 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Fill a glazed earthenware pot with cherries, blackcurrants or raspberries and pour over good purified vodka.
Tie sugar paper over the pot and prick a few holes in it with a rod or fork. When rye bread has been removed from the oven, place the pot inside and leave until the berries have thoroughly softened and browned. The cherries should become so soft that the stones come away at the slightest pressure.
Drain the cooked berries into a sieve above a bowl. Do not press them; shake the sieve gently to release the juice.
Sweeten the drained liquid to taste with ¼–¾ pound sugar per bottle. The author says this nalivka may be made in one day.
The leftover berries may be covered with water and distilled in a still; according to the source, the resulting liquid can be used in making vinegar without further vodka.