I know it's October, but if you're going to make something of quality it takes time - like about a month. A few years ago a magazine article I read touted the making of infused vodkas to give away as a "homemade" gift. Yeah, you can add berries, or mixed fruit, sugar and get something that would make a tasty drink, but I'm more of a Bloody Mary drinker. After the kids have ripped open their gifts and wrapping paper is everywhere, nothing says "Good Morning" on Christmas Day like an 80 proof drink while you make breakfast.So I've pulled out my vodka jar, a large glass sealed "barrel" that holds three large bottles of Absolut. While things are marinating, I'll start looking for some smaller vintage bottles (in Canton this weekend) to pour the finished product into. Along with the vodka, the gift bag will include 2 small cans of V-8 for mixing, and some homemade hot chocolate mix for the kids to enjoy.
And of course you don't have to use Absolut, but "Amy's Monopolova Outrageous Bloody Mary Vodka" just doesn't sound as catchy.
AMY'S "ABSOLUT"-ELY OUTRAGEOUS BLOODY MARY VODKA
3 1.75 bottles of Absolut vodka
2 bunches of fresh dill
1 large horseradish root
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno
6 whole black peppercorns
Peel the exterior of the horseradish root to remove dirt and exterior skin. Score (do not cut open) the jalapeno 2 - 3 times to release flavors. Place all ingredients in jar and keep in the refrigerator. Periodically taste - if the jalapeno has added enough heat for you, remove it (conversely, if it's not hot enough, throw another one in). Same with the other ingredients. The flavor of the output is determined by what you like - but be forewarned, this stuff by itself tastes pretty nasty, it "blossoms" once added to a mixer.
I make my potion very strong, and then cut it with unflavored vodka to increase the yield. I have a lot of friends to give it away to and only so much production capacity.
4 comments:
Uncle Mark will be there Chritmas morning to sample your home made spirits.
This looks awesome. About how long do you let it sit in the fridge before it's ready?
Well it depends on how strong you want the flavorings. At a minimum, 2 weeks, but if (like me), you plan to dilute with unflavored vodka, I've found it takes a month or so. I do remove some elements (like the jalapeno) earlier once I think the "heat" is enough. But then I'm a (former) Yankee and a whimp when it comes to jalapenos.
OK, so I meant wimp - I just googled "Whimp" (old slang), and apparently it means I even more wimpy.
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