Homemade Raspberry Vodka

Continuing with the flavored vodka infusions, here's a great recipe for raspberry infused vodka.  I plan on posting recipes for Chocolate Vodka and Cranberry Vodka in the near future.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Vodka
• 1 package (6 oz.) fresh Raspberries

Instructions:

1. Rinse the raspberries and place in a glass jar.
2. Add the vodka.
3. Allow to rest for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
4. Strain and filter.
5. Bottle and enjoy.

Pumpkin Pie Liqueur Recipe

I just finished this creation.  It has a smooth and delicious pumpkin pie flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Vodka
• 1 Pumpkin
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 whole Cloves
• 2 whole Allspice Berries
• 1 tsp. ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground Ginger
• 1/2 Vanilla Bean
• 1 cup White Sugar
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1.5 cups Water

Instructions:

Step 1:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the stem.
3. Scrape out the inside of the pumpkin.
4. Spray a baking sheet with a cooking spray such as Pam.
5. Place half of the pumpkin cut-side down on the oiled baking sheet.
6. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Using a paring knife, slice the pumpkin into 1 to 2 inch wide strips (do not use the portion that was touching the oiled pan).
9. Remove the peel and cut into cubes.
10. Place 2 cups of peeled pumpkin into a glass jar.
11. Add the vodka, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
12. Seal the jar and shake.
13. Allow to rest for 1 week, shaking occasionally.

Step 2:

1. Combine the water, white sugar, and brown sugar in a sauce pan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Split the half vanilla bean down the middle.
5. Add the vanilla bean, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to the infusion.
6. Add the cooled sugar syrup.
7. Shake to combine.
8. Allow to rest for 1 week, shaking occasionally.

Step 3:

1. Strain and filter the infusion.
2. Bottle and enjoy!

Habanero Infused Vodka Recipe

This next flavored vodka came about because I wanted a good flavored vodka to use in making a great Bloody Mary.  It turned out nice and spicy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Vodka
• 1 fresh Habanero Pepper

Instructions:

1. Wash the habanero and cut it open.
2. Place cut habanero and vodka in a glass jar.
3. Allow to rest, shaking occasionally.
4. Taste every 24 hours, until vodka has desired heat (24-72 hours).
5. Remove habanero and filter.

Notes:

I found that the desired heat was achieved after 48 hours.  However, you can leave the habanero in for as long as you wish.

Old Fashioned Variation

The other night, I wanted an old fashioned, but I didn't have any oranges.  I like the hint of orange that an orange slice adds to an old fashioned.  So, I added a dash of homemade triple sec.  It turned out delicious!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 1 splash Triple Sec
• 2 dashes Augostura Bitters
• 1 Sugar Cube
• 1 splash Water
• Maraschino Cherry

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube with the water and bitters in the bottom of an old fashioned glass until the sugar dissolves.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add whiskey and triple sec and stir.
4. Garnish with a cherry.

Cherry Vanilla Vodka Recipe

I am going to be posting a series of flavored vodka recipes over the next few weeks.  The first one is Cherry Vanilla Vodka:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Vodka
• 1 jar drained Marachino Cherries
• 1 can drained Tart Cherries
• 1 Vanilla Bean

Instructions:

1. Cut the vanilla bean in half and split down the middle.
2. Pour all ingredients in a glass jar.
3. Seal and allow to rest for one month.
4. Strain and filter.
5. Bottle and enjoy.

Notes:

Since I wanted less of a vanilla taste, I removed the vanilla bean after one week.  I recommend tasting the infusion periodically, and removing the vanilla bean when you hit the desired strength.