Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 wide strip lemon zest
• 2 cups applejack brandy (such as Laird’s Jersey Lightning)
• Simple syrup (for serving)
• Sparkling wine or club soda (for serving; optional)
• One 32-ounce jar; 3 layers of cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Combine blueberries, lemon zest, and brandy in jar and seal tightly. Let sit in a cool dark place, shaking jar daily, until mixture is a deep purple color, about 1 month.
2. Strain mixture through cheesecloth into a pitcher or large bowl (do not press on solids or mixture will become cloudy) and add simple syrup to taste. Chill until cold, about 30 minutes. Serve cordial in small glasses.
3. To make a spritzer, place 1 oz. cordial in a flute and top off with sparkling wine.
4. Strained cordial mixture can be made 6 months ahead. Cover and keep chilled.