Make Vanilla Infused Vodka
Vanilla infused vodka is simple to make at home. It's ideal as a standalone drink or for adding to a variety of cocktail mixes.
Contents
Ingredients
- 250ml, 8.4 fl oz vodka
- 2-3 vanilla beans/pods, split
Steps
- Pour the vodka into a glass jar, or leave it in its original bottle if it is the right measure.
- Add the split vanilla pods to the vodka. To split a vanilla pod, simply cut down the middle of the pod with the tip of a sharp knife while keeping the pod flat on a clean, non-slip surface.
- Some people prefer to scrape out the middle of the vanilla pod before adding but this is where much of the flavor resides, so it's not recommended.
- Put the lid over the jar or the cap on the bottle.
- Leave to stand for a minimum of 5 days to a week, although infusing for around 3 to 5 weeks will probably produce the best flavor. You'll note the vodka turning a light shade of golden brown within a half hour of adding the pods and this will darken with infusion over time. Shake every few days to help distribute the vanilla and store in a cool, dark place while it's infusing.
- You can leave the pods in for as long as you wish to allow the vanilla to infuse through the vodka but it should be ready to use within the first week of infusing.
- Discard the vanilla pods when you're satisfied with the taste level of the infusion. If you wish to remove any sediment from the vanilla pods, pour through a fine sieve or coffee filter into a clean bottle.
- If you don't want to throw out the pods, then you can leave them in the vodka but after a fair while they may get a bit tacky and start disintegrating (this is in the range of many months later).
- Serve. Serve as is, or use as part of a cocktail. For one example of using vanilla infused vodka, see Make a Vanilla Martini. Or, try vanilla vodka poured over ice and topped up with ginger ale for a creamy drink.
- Vanilla vodka is excellent used in dessert dishes as well as in drinks.
Tips
- This makes a delicious gift for someone who loves vodka.
- Label and date the bottle or jar.
- Some other variants on vanilla infused vodka include:
- Vanilla and a few lavender flowers (about 1/4 of a cup) but don't leave the flowers in more than 3 weeks or they risk turning bitter in flavor
- Vanilla and a few small figs
- Vanilla and chocolate
- Vanilla and blueberries
- Vanilla and pineapple
- Vanilla and mangoes.
- Add more vanilla pods if you wish but be careful about adding too much, as the result will be unpleasant to the taste.
Things You'll Need
- Knife and cutting board or similar non-slip surface
- Glass jar or suitable bottle with lid/cap
- Tongs or similar item to help you remove the beans when discarding them
Related Articles
- Infuse Vodka with Coffee
- Infuse Vodka with Flavor
- Make Martinis
- Make a Vodka Gimlet
- Make a Fruity Vodka Tonic
- Make a Vodka and Tonic
