Post by heartofbrass on Apr 30, 2009 23:44:28 GMT -5
Out of a magazine I don't remember what it was... I hate vodka, it makes me want to puke, but hopefully this is useful to someone else!
When it comes to infusing, the flavor possibilities are endless - you can use anything from fruit to herbs to nuts. The result is a full-flavored vodka you can use to make cocktails or enjoy on the rocks. It's a super simple way to create your very own fancy concoctions without going broke. Cheers to that!
Materials
Flavor Base (lemons, limes, oranges, berries, ginger, mint, basil, vanilla beans, cucumbers, peanuts, etc.)
1 750 ml. bottle good-quality vodka
1 large glass jar - a container with a spigot at the bottom (www.infusionjars.com) is ideal, but a regular canning jar works well too
Instructions
1. Throughly wash your fruit, vegetables, or herbs. Freshness is important for taste, so don't use frozen or dried ingredients.
2. Citrus fruit, melons, cucumbers, and strawberries should be sliced to expose the flesh, while other berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) and herbs can be left whole. Peanuts should be shelled and unsalted.
3. Pleace enough infusion ingredients in the jar to fill it about half way, and cover with vodka to the top of the jar.
4. Tighten the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Strong flavors like citrus can infuse in as little as three days, while subtler flavors, like cucumber, can take up to two weeks. It doesn't hurt to do taste tests every now and then to see how the flavor is developing.
5. Once you've arrived at your desired flavor (whether that's just a light hint of your infusion base or the deeper taste of a longer steeping period), it's time to strain the vodka. Line a mesh strainer with cheesecloth, place it over a large bowl, and pour your infusion through.
6. Discard the solids (or eat them up) and pour vodka back into the glass jar.
7. Store your infused vodka in the freezer or whip up a tasty cocktail!
When it comes to infusing, the flavor possibilities are endless - you can use anything from fruit to herbs to nuts. The result is a full-flavored vodka you can use to make cocktails or enjoy on the rocks. It's a super simple way to create your very own fancy concoctions without going broke. Cheers to that!
Materials
Flavor Base (lemons, limes, oranges, berries, ginger, mint, basil, vanilla beans, cucumbers, peanuts, etc.)
1 750 ml. bottle good-quality vodka
1 large glass jar - a container with a spigot at the bottom (www.infusionjars.com) is ideal, but a regular canning jar works well too
Instructions
1. Throughly wash your fruit, vegetables, or herbs. Freshness is important for taste, so don't use frozen or dried ingredients.
2. Citrus fruit, melons, cucumbers, and strawberries should be sliced to expose the flesh, while other berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) and herbs can be left whole. Peanuts should be shelled and unsalted.
3. Pleace enough infusion ingredients in the jar to fill it about half way, and cover with vodka to the top of the jar.
4. Tighten the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Strong flavors like citrus can infuse in as little as three days, while subtler flavors, like cucumber, can take up to two weeks. It doesn't hurt to do taste tests every now and then to see how the flavor is developing.
5. Once you've arrived at your desired flavor (whether that's just a light hint of your infusion base or the deeper taste of a longer steeping period), it's time to strain the vodka. Line a mesh strainer with cheesecloth, place it over a large bowl, and pour your infusion through.
6. Discard the solids (or eat them up) and pour vodka back into the glass jar.
7. Store your infused vodka in the freezer or whip up a tasty cocktail!
