Myrtle liqueur

Name: Myrtle liqueur
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: Myrtle berries 1.3 lbs; Water 4 ¼ cups; Sugar 3 cups; Pure alcohol at 90° 33.8 oz

it es fr de br

124

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian
Vegan

Energy Kcal 124
Carbohydrates g 10.4
of which sugars g 10.4
Protein g 0.1
Fiber g 0.2
Sodium mg 1

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Serving: 10

PRESENTATION

Rich, deep color and sweet herbal aroma usually make mirto a go-to for families looking to end a meal with something special. The traditional Sardinian liqueur stands out on any table—its pretty red appearance really draws people in, while the unique taste of myrtle berries brings memories of Mediterranean landscapes straight to your glass. Every sip delivers layers of good, full-bodied flavor and a strong yet welcoming burst of that classic Sardinian drink charm. Since a lot of us appreciate simple traditions that still feel a bit special, mirto fits right in at family gatherings and offers that comfortable, satisfying finish after dinner. It’s no wonder home cooks enjoy sharing this Italian digestif with friends or pulling out a bottle at the end of a family celebration—it looks nice on the table and always gets people talking about trips to Italy, old family stories, and favorite desserts.

Busy families lean toward myrtle liqueur both for its warm, moist taste and how well it fits every occasion—quick get-togethers, big parties, holiday meals, or quiet moments after a weeknight dinner. You’ll often find that it pairs just as well with a plate of cookies as it does with rich, hearty food...works great as a classic Italian gem served over ice, or even mixed into fun cocktails for something different. Because mirto is a true Sardinian classic, flexibility is part of its charm—serve it chilled for refreshment, or straight if you want a little extra warmth. Kids can feel included too with a simple berry soda while adults enjoy the good finish of mirto. Home cooks looking for a reliable, conversation-starting drink will love the way this mirto recipe never fails to bring on smiles and stories. Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a fun Friday night, mirto delivers rich tradition and DELICIOUS simplicity every time.

How to prepare Myrtle liqueur

Place the myrtle berries in an airtight container large enough to hold both the berries and the alcohol.
Cover the myrtle berries with the alcohol and let it rest in a dark, cool place for at least 40 days, shaking the container occasionally.
After this time, strain the alcohol from the myrtle berries and residues and gently squeeze the berries with a cloth or cheesecloth to extract all the juices and essences they have absorbed.
Meanwhile, prepare a syrup by boiling the water and dissolving the sugar in it; once the syrup is ready, let it cool and then mix it with the flavored alcohol. Strain everything again, bottle it, and let the liqueur thus obtained rest for at least a month, preferably two, in a cool place.

Advice

You can adjust the amounts of water and sugar to make the myrtle liqueur better suited to your taste, bearing in mind that if you have 1 liter of essence (with alcohol at 90°), adding 1 liter of syrup will halve the alcohol's volume percentage, resulting in a liqueur with an alcohol content of about 45°. Increasing the amount of syrup will therefore result in a lower alcohol content.
In some areas of Sardinia, myrtle is made by replacing part or all of the sugar with an equivalent weight of honey (often arbutus honey).

Curiosity

The best time to make myrtle liqueur is undoubtedly during the winter period, as the myrtle berries must be harvested when they have reached their distinctive black color and have not yet become too hard; this occurs from November to January, depending on the climate and the exposure of the myrtle bushes.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.