I’m one of those people who have a closet with a corner dedicated to the gifts I buy throughout the year instead of making the sad trip to the mall at 9pm on Christmas Eve. This year, I decided to start getting ready for holiday eating and drinking in the summer as well. I’m talking about Rumtopf, or a Rum Pot.
Rumtopf is a fantastically delicious way to preserve fruits in alcohol. The idea is to start in early summer and add layers of seasonal fruit as they become available (and more booze) until fall. Then the batch is put away and forgotten about until the holidays when it becomes a fruity, boozy base for cocktails and desserts.
Although its fall now, it’s not too late to get your Rumtopf on. There are only a few rules to the Rumtopf.
Choosing your fruit: Choose firm fruit and create a blend. Ideally your blend would include stone fruit like peaches and apricots, berries such as blackberries, and tree fruits like pears. I was warned that apples and raspberries don’t fare well to the fermentation process so skip those.
Choose your booze: Classic Rumtopf would use rum but the process would work just as well with brandy or vodka. Again, think of what flavors you would like in your alcohol and what alcohol you would like in your fruit. The alcohol should be at least 80 proof if not higher.
Assemble: Using a clean glass jar (like a canning jar), add your fruit in layers throughout the season. Each time fruit is added, you need to add 50% as much sugar by pound. One pound of fruit means ½ pound of sugar is needed. Fill the jar with alcohol to cover all the fruit and use something to weight the fruit down if it starts to float. It’s very important the fruit is completely submerged.Store in a cool, dark place…. like a gift closet.
Let it sit: Around October, stop adding fruit and let it sit for at least 2 months. Add a cinnamon stick and star anise if you like. Then just in time for the holidays, crack it open and add a couple teaspoons to a glass of champagne. The fruit goes great on ice cream or in a tart.
