Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 1. Use good vodka: Picking the vodka to start with is by far the most important part of the process. You want to use a good quality vodka, because no matter how much you flavor it, if the base isn't good, the result won't be good.
2. Use fresh ingredients: For best results, make sure the flavor components you use are as fresh as possible. Frozen fruit isn't a great option because it will break down and just get soggy in the vodka. Fresh herbs and spices and whole fruit and vegetables are best.
3. Be original: Get creative with the flavors, pretty much any fruit, vegetable, herb or spice can be used or if you want to be really original, try mixing a few flavors together. Peppers and horseradish are also a great choice for infused vodkas, but start sparingly so you don't end up with too much spicy fire in your vodka.
4. Prep your ingredients: If you are using fruit or vegetables, cut them up in large cubes or slices. In some cases, the skin should stay on, like citrus (because the peel is bursting with flavorful oils), but other fruits such as melons should have their skin removed. A good rule is: Any skin that is not edible (other than citrus) should be peeled. Also, remove any pits and seeds. If you are using herbs or spices such as cinnamon, lavender or rosemary, add them to the vodka whole. Everything will be strained before drinking, so if a few pieces go astray, no need to panic.
5. Combine flavors: Add fruit, vegetables or herbs to a large glass jar. If possible, use one with a spigot or a large lid to ladle vodka out. And keep in mind that the more flavor you add, the stronger it will be in the vodka. A good rule of thumb is to fill the jar about halfway full with fruit or vegetables and then fill it to the top with vodka. If using herbs or spices, use a good handful, because they are stronger and will emit more flavor than fruit or vegetables. Pour the vodka into the jar and cover it with a lid.
6. Wait: Place the jar in the refrigerator and play the waiting game. Most likely, the infusion will take at least one day. Some fruits and vegetables will take longer. Simply taste the vodka every day to determine your strength level. It can take up to one week to get the flavor you want. Remember, you can always add more flavor but you can't take it away.
7. Strain: When the desired flavor is reached, pour the vodka through a fine-meshed strainer into a large bowl to remove as much of the pulp and bits as possible. If needed, layer strainer with cheesecloth or coffee filters. Pour vodka back into its original bottle or into the jar used to infuse – this will ensure that your newly infused vodka is easily pourable.
8. Serve: One of the best parts of infusing your own vodka, is that it lends itself to using plenty of delicious garnishes. Fruit and vegetables can be garnished on the side of a cocktail glass. Herbs and spices can be used as stirrers in cocktails. Drink up and enjoy!
|
Directions: |
Directions:Apples and Cinnamon Infused Vodka
Bottle of infused vodka Makes 1 (750 ml) bottle of vodka
4 whole cinnamon sticks
6 large red apples, sliced, cored
1 (750 ml) bottle of vodka
Directions:
Combine cinnamon sticks and apples in a large jar.
Pour vodka into jar and let chill for a few days or until desired flavor is achieved. Strain through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Store in original bottle.
Homemade Pepper Vodka
Makes 1 whole bottle of vodka Ingredients:
1 (750 ml) bottle of vodka
5 or 6 whole chiles, any kind (jalapenos, Serrano, habanero, etc.), washed and dried, halved lengthwise Directions:
Pour vodka into a large bowl or jar. Slice peppers and add to vodka. Let soak for 7 to 10 days in a cool dark place. Strain vodka through a cheesecloth back into the empty vodka bottle. |
This recipe for Flavored Vodkas is from