Elixirs for Xmas: Winter-Spiced Vodka

I have always been fascinated with infusions but I have never attempted any.   This year it will be different.

I am planning on giving many liquid gifts  this year and have been doing some early preparations.   For all my Elixirs for Xmas posts, click here.

This potent potable sounds especially delicious.

spiced vodka

Winter-Spiced Vodka
from Nigella Christmas

1 t. whole coriander seeds
3 cardamom pods, bruised
1/2 t. whole cumin seed
1 cinnamon stick
1 whole dried red chile (like a Thai)
2 c. vodka

Sterilize a pint jar.

Place all the spices into the sterilized jar.

Pour in vodka, seal the bottle and store in a cool, dark cupboard.

Allow to infuse for up to 1 month.   Use within one year.

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I found this recipe in a cookbook that I bought as a gift for a friend.   Of course, I had to peruse through it before I gifted it.   This recipe by the supreme culinary goddess Nigella just spoke to me.

Nigella makes the following wise suggestion to use this elixir:

You may suggest, as you hand it over, that it be knocked back in shots, used to make a festively spiced martini or, with the addition of some tomato juice, a sprinkle of salt and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a particularly memorable Christmassy Bloody Mary.

After just a week, I popped the lid to shoot some pics (and try a swig).  The aroma and taste is interesting.   The spiciness of the cumin and coriander melds well with the warmth of the cinnamon and cardamom.   I will continue to let it get friendlier and may break it out during Thanksgiving.

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I love the color.

That is all the elixirs for now.

Please look forward to at least one more infusion that I will post in in early December:  Bourbon Kahlua.

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