What's the best way to macerate berries?

Question

I'm going to make little individual sponge cakes for 4th of july with blueberries and strawberries, and either top it with whipped cream or lemon curd. I will probably end up going with the lemon curd because homemade whipped cream might just go flat at a picnic -- so keep a lemony flavor in mind too!

So, to the question, what's the best thing to macerate berries with?
Liquor? If so, what's your best recommendation?
I read somewhere to use strawberry liquor -- anyone know of a good one? (available in USA) I'm not really familiar with flavored liquors.
Just sugar?
Sugar and lemon?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

What a nice Fourth of July treat,...try doing your berries with about a third cup sugar to two pints berries, then in place of the lemon use lemon zest (the fine grated rind of the lemon).
Also use about two tablespoons of honey to your mix, this will add a depth to the berries and sugar as well as a hint of natural flavor.
You must remember to keep this berry mix very cold until time for serving.
Good-Luck and here's to good food :o)

Answer 2

I use my potato masher to mush things up a bit. If I'm using blueberries, I add sugar and a little lemon juice. If I'm using strawberries, then I use a little sugar and some Chambord (just a touch). Here's a foolproof recipe for your party:

Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle:

2 pints Strawberrys, hulled and sliced
1 pint Blueberries, washed and mashed slightly
1 frozen Sara Lee Poundcake, defrosted
1 large package vanilla pudding
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large container CoolWhip Extra Creamy
1/2 cup sugar
3 T Chambord

Mix sugar and chambord with berries and set aside to "juice up" at room temperature. Make pudding using milk, sour cream and 1 cup of the CoolWhip topping. Let thicken while you slice the pound cake in 1/2 inch slices. In decorative glass bowl, place 4 - 6 slices of pound cake, tearing them to fit if you have to. Top with 1/3 of the berry mixture and 1/2 of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with berries. Top with remaining CoolWhip and refrigerate to "mellow". Cook's Note: You can dazzle folks by making your own whipped cream and adding a half tsp of almond extract to it along with 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

Answer 3

Lindemans Kriek Cherry Lambic Beer
Even though this is called beer, it tastes more like a champagne. You can find it in most beer stores. Works great. Most of the strawberry liquors are a bit overpowering for the fruit, this is lighter.

Answer 4

Sugar and Lemon works great and is kid friendly but, if you want to make the dessert for adults I would use Chambord with a little bit of sugar.