Ginger Infused Vodka
Whenever you have a container with items preserved in liquid it is reminiscent of scientific experiments, and it is a conversation starter. Whether it’s on your mantle, on a counter, a book shelf, in the kitchen, or in the pantry, there is a very hand-crafted feel to the mysterious concoction. I’ve enjoyed infusing things like cooking oils, bath oils, salts, soaps, etc., and I feel the next natural step is to infuse my favorite alcohol. I thought I’d start with a flavor that satisfies both sweet and savory combinations- Ginger. There is a lot of information online suggesting flavors, and most importantly, the cocktails. I found this site that helped me in determining how long to infuse ginger for full flavor. In this recipe I chose to use a large amount of ginger in the ratio to promote a very strong and spicy flavor. I made it specifically to give as favors to a wedding party; you can keep the mixture for the duration of flavor rendering, or you can leave it to the recipient to taste test along the way- that sounds fun!
Ingredients:
• 3 Half Gallons of your favorite Vodka
• 6 Pounds fresh root Ginger (it is possible to find this at a reasonable price, I had to shop around)
Tools:
• Self-sealing Mason Jar
• Sharp Knife
• Veggie Slicing Device (optional)
• Tiny Cookie Cutter (optional)
Method:
I like to think of this gift as an adult snow globe! Begin by deciding how you want the pieces of ginger to appear in the jar. I went with two different patterns. The most flavor is yielded by thinly slicing the ginger, and be sure not to include any skin. It’s not harmful, but its also not tasty, should it sneak into a cocktail. I was fortunate to find a cookie cutter in the shape of a heart that is quite small*. I used the heart shape for three jars, and sliced thin strips for the other three. Have fun with this part, you can even make them all different shapes. I poured half of each bottle of Vodka into each jar (1/4 gallon per jar). Then began slowly adding the pieces of ginger, until the amount filled the liquid to the brim of the jar. Seal the jar, and give a good shake!
* I’ve also cut a soda-can to create the shape I want. I used regular scissors, handled the cut parts very carefully (razor sharp), then used tape to stabilize the shape and the end I planned to handle. Fortunately, this worked even better than the (safer) cookie cutter, due to the sharp edge. Gingerly, try at your own risk.
I’m told that you are not a tasteful and stylish adult, until you have a signature cocktail. I can’t think of anything more unique than infusing your own vodka for a cocktail and here is my favorite recipe:
Tea Tini
• 1 3/4 Ounces Ginger-Infused Vodka
• 1 Ounce Sweet Iced Tea (make your own black tea, store bought never tastes as rich)
• 1/4 Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice (optional)
• Garnish with a slice of ginger and/or lemon.
Helpful Links
- Fancy Labels • I chose the “Aunt Lorraine” style in Chestnut.
- Fancy Favor Tags • I chose the “Aunt Lorraine” style in Chestnut.
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I soaked the ginger with Vodka, I don’t know why the liquid turned out green color after 1 day?
Hi Tom! Yikes! I can’t say I experienced that yet, but I found an article that might be helpful: http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/08/ask-the-food-lab-why-does-my-garlic-turn-green.html