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Berry Infused Vodka
If you grow a lot of your own produce, it’s that time of year where we are getting down to the end of the food stores. While I do love having frozen berries around all winter, they start to taste much less delicious after about 6 months so if there are any left by now, I start using them creatively. I have my fair share of jam so I thought the best way to use up the remaining berries was to flavour vodka.
To infuse vodka, macerate 3-4 cups of berries per 40oz bottle of vodka. You don’t need fancy expensive vodka, just basic brands are fine as you’ll add the complex flavour with the berries. You can also add a few strips of lemon rind, being careful to ensure there is no pith. A vanilla bean would also go wonderfully with the berries.
Pour vodka over berries in a mason jar, screw on a lid and leave in a cool dark place for 3 days to a week. Strain off liquid and use the berries in a boozy adults-only crumble or muffin recipe. Store the infused vodka in the freezer so it’s ice cold when you are ready to make cocktails.
Serve berry-infused vodka as a martini or with soda and some simple syrup. Garnish with lemon, ginger, or mint for a variety of interesting cocktails.
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