SPIRITS
Berry Tasty Making your own infused vodkas is easy and fun, and this berry-flavored vodka is a great place to start. BY SANDI GRIGG
A few years ago, I created a cocktail recipe called Chocolate Peppermint Martini. It calls for a few types of flavored vodka that are only available during the holiday season. This past Christmas I wanted to create it again, but the ABC store didn’t have the flavored vodkas I needed. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands by infusing the vodka myself. Making infused vodka is nothing more than adding fruit, spices, vegetables, herbs or even candy to vodka and letting it steep for a while. For the Chocolate Peppermint Martini, I made my own peppermint vodka using a candy cane. Since that successful attempt, I have been playing with all types of recipes. There are a few tips to keep in mind when making your own flavored vodka. Strong-flavored ingredients like pineapple take less time to infuse the vodka, while mild-flavored ingredients like pecans and almonds take longer. Give citrus up to three days and more if you are using zest. It only takes three or four days for fresh herbs and about a week for berries or other fruits with a mild flavor. As we come into warmer months, I wanted to create and offer a flavored vodka that will be refreshing in the spring months. What is more springlike than strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries? After infusing vodka with the berries, I strained it and poured it over ice with some soda water. The flavor was exceptional, and the vodka was not as strong as I had anticipated. If these berries are not your favorite, feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your signature infused vodka. Try adding mint or use melon for a unique option — you really can’t go wrong. Your only limit is your imagination.
VERY BERRY INFUSED VODKA
This recipe is for 750 ml of vodka. You can adjust or cut the recipe in half to make less, if desired. You can also split this into two jars if you don’t have a jar big enough to accommodate the recipe.
INGREDIENTS 1 cup strawberries, washed, stems removed and cut in half 1 cup ripe blueberries, washed and lightly smashed ½ cup raspberries, washed and lightly smashed ½ cup blackberries, washed and lightly smashed 1 750 ml bottle of vodka
METHOD Place all the berries in a large clean jar and fill with vodka. Seal the jar and place in a cool place away from direct sunlight for five to seven days. Give the jar a shake every day and taste to see how the infusion is coming along. Once the infused vodka has attained the desired flavor, strain the fruit from the vodka and rebottle. Keep refrigerated.
Spring 2021
27
