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.
Winter-Spiced Vodka
from Nigella Christmas1 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. vodkaSterilize 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.
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.
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.
Comments & Replies
19 responses to “Elixirs for Xmas: Winter-Spiced Vodka”
A perfect holiday gift, Debra. And I love the golden colour too.
It is a really interesting, warming, and almost savory sipper.
Mm adding a bit of a kick with vodka, this definitely calls out to me 😀
Lovely spice combo!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I don’t know how much of a kick is really needed here, though. ;).
What a great gift, I know a few friends who sure would love this! 😉
Infuse away, Pamela. Your friends will appreciate it!
What a terrific gift idea! I don’t think I could throw down a shot, but it would be lovely in a cocktail!
Yes, I think it would better in inventive cocktails.
I can talk to you for hours about how much I love cinnamon! We are getting into festive mood and this drink is just the right thing!
Yes, but the other flavors add just a hint of savory spice. Festive, yes, but I think it will leave people wondering what’s in it.
How fun. This would be a treasure to receive as a gift!
I wonder how long people will treasure it before popping the cork?
I am liking this idea. At the moment I am thinking more of gifting myself than anyone else. Because we all know that life is really about Me Me Me. Ha. I like this idea. I have made some liqueurs in the past. But the world was flat, so I don’t have the recipes anymore. I think I will have to try this.
You kill me….the world was flat…..hahaha!
This sounds interesting! You will have to let us know how you like it at Thanksgiving when it’s had time to meld together the most.
The sip I took for the pic was good. I might ramp down the cumin next time or leave it out. We’ll see…
You sold me this one for sure. I’m setting up a jar of this tomorrow. Thanks for all of these elixirs!
You must let me know what you think. It is really interesting.
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