Botanical Liqueurs: Crafting Spirits for the Holidays
Saturday, November 28 • 4 - 6 pm
Explore the tradition of making botanical liqueurs and aperitifs in this hands-on workshop with farmer and herbalist Willow Summer of Three Springs Community Farm. Working with seasonal botanicals sourced from Three Springs Community Farm and the Sonoma County Herb Exchange, you'll learn to create richly flavored spirits to enjoy at home or give as handmade holiday gifts.
From the herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the bittersweet notes of Aperol to the almond-like flavors of noyaux, anise-forward sambuca, and aromatic Douglas fir liqueur, we'll explore the ingredients and traditions behind these distinctive spirits. Willow will guide you through preparing botanicals, balancing flavors, and infusing spirits. You'll also learn about sourcing herbs locally, including responsible wild harvesting and the Sonoma County Herb Exchange, whose herbs we'll use in class.
In This Workshop You'll:
- Explore the history of herbal liqueurs, aperitifs, and their traditional uses
- Learn how to select and prepare seasonal botanicals for infusing spirits
- Taste and explore flavor profiles, from herbal and bitter to nutty, sweet, and aromatic
- Practice combining botanicals and spirits to create balanced infusions
- Learn about responsible wild harvesting and sourcing herbs through the Sonoma County Herb Exchange
- Discover how to steep, finish, and enjoy your homemade liqueurs
You'll Take Home
Three bottles (approximately 250 ml each) of your own botanical liqueurs or aperitifs, along with instructions for steeping and finishing them at home. Once ready, enjoy them in cocktails, use them in confections, or give them as handmade holiday gifts.
Prerequisites
No prior experience required. This workshop is for adults 21 and older.
Supplies
All ingredients, spirits, bottles, and equipment are provided.
Please note: The specific liqueurs and botanicals featured will depend on seasonal availability. Finished infusions will require additional steeping time at home before they're ready to enjoy. You must be 21+ to take this workshop.