Tie One On Tuesday!

I'm not a huge vodka drinker. To me, vodka is really just a vehicle for whatever flavor you add to it. That being said and to keep with my gardening theme. I thought it would be fun to infuse some vodka with flavors from my garden.

Lavender grows in abundance around here, not to mention that it is a hot flavor right now.  I think if you just had lavender flavor it would be a little overpowering and probably have a strong medicine taste. One of the great flavors to add to lavender is rosemary. The rosemary takes the edge of the overpowering floral flavor of the lavender and adds a nice savory taste to your vodka.
Lavender/Rosemary Vodka
Ingredients
750ml bottle of premium vodka
1 sprig of rosemary
2 sprig of lavender
infusion jar with tight sealing lid (think mason jar) Make sure that it is glass and not plastic.
Rinse the herbs and place them a clean mason jar or similar jar with a tight sealing lid.
Pour the vodka over the herbs and shake a few times.
Seal the lid tight and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days.
Test the flavor of the infusion everyday, beginning on the second day.
Once the lavender and rosemary flavor is to taste, strain the herbs from the vodka using a fine strainer or coffee filter.
Wash the jar and return the flavored vodka to it.
Store as you do other vodka.

Cherries are coming into season here and although I didn't grow any in my garden I couldn't resist this wonderful cherry infused vodka recipe.
Cherry Vodka
Ingredients
4 pints of cherries
1 bottle of vodka
Tight lid jar (such as a mason jar)
Pit all cherries and remove the stems
Add the cherries to the vodka in an tight sealing jar (mason jar)
Seal the lid tight and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days.
Test the flavor of the infusion everyday, beginning on the second day.
Once you have your cherry taste, strain the cherries from the vodka using a fine strainer or coffee filter.
Wash the jar and return the flavored vodka to it.
Store as you do other vodka.

Our peppers are coming in quite nice. I love a spicy vodka for a Bloody Mary. You can also infuse the vodka with tomato if you wanted an interesting little kick.
Spicy Vodka
Ingredients
1 Jalapeno pepper
1 Habanero pepper
1 Serreno pepper
Tight jar (Again, think Mason)
Add whole peppers to vodka and seal jar

Seal the lid tight and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days.
Shake the jar daily
Test the flavor of the infusion everyday, beginning on the second day.
Once you have your cherry taste, strain the cherries from the vodka using a fine strainer or coffee filter.
Wash the jar and return the flavored vodka to it.
Store as you do other vodka.

There are so many flavors you can infuse vodka with for a special taste. Think about the seasons and holidays for wonderful gifts to friends. Vanilla or a spicy vodka would be great for the fall and winter holiday season.  Fresh fruit in the spring and summer to refresh your palate. If you can think it, it can be infused with vodka. Even candies! Skittles and cinnamon red hots are a fun way to add flavor to that boring clear liquid. Use your imagination and have fun mixing up a tasty treat.