I promised to post the Vodka Infusion recipe as soon as the Blueberry was done and so I will. But first… I want to show you what your Limoncello should look like by now (just over a week out).
Here is a photo of ours…
Day One is on the Left- End of Week One is on the Right... Notice how the Vodka has taken on the sunny yellow color from the lemon zest and that the sugar has dissolved quite a bit.
Alright, now on to the Vodka Infusion Recipes…
Infused Vodka Liqueurs
1 Fifth of Vodka (any brand)
4 Cups of Sugar
2 Quarts of Raspberries
Again, you will need a glass container (we got ours at World Market). Pour in the sugar. Add the vodka (but save the empty bottles you will need them to store your Liqueur in when it is done). Then, add the fruit. Since you have to shake the container every day for two weeks, we always put a few layers of plastic wrap over the opening. We do this before we close the lid to help make the container leak proof. Close the lid and make sure it’s sealed. Now shake the container real well. Then, set it aside on the counter where you will remember to give it a good shake each day. After two weeks (shaking it each day), like with the Limoncello you will notice it taking on the color of the fruit. For the following two weeks, let it rest (no more shaking). When the four week period is up, strain the Liqueur into a clean container (we use a pitcher), then pour into awaiting bottles. This usually makes 1-1/2 to 2 bottles of Liqueur give or take a little.
Variations: We have also used Blueberries and Vanilla Bean (and of course Lemon for the Limoncello). Others have done Strawberries and Cherries.
We add a bit more fruit than called for because it adds flavor and color. When making the Vanilla, we use SIX whole Vanilla Beans (you can get them at World Market for a better price than a grocery store), TWO fifths of vodka and TEN cups of sugar because the VB does not have any juice to release as the fruit does.
How to strain and bottle your lovely liquid:
We use this metal mesh strainer. It’s a larger one. I have seen ones like it at Wal Mart for something like $3 or $4.
I just sit the strainer on top of a pitcher, but you need to hold on to the handle because it will tip if you don’t.
Then, just empty your glass container (carefully, it splashes some) in to the strainer. Discard the fruit (or vanilla beans, etc).
I set the empty bottle in the sink to pour the Liqueur from the pitcher into the bottle. It avoids what could be a sticky mess. After I put the caps on the bottles, I gave the outside of the bottles a rinse with water and dry them.
This batch of Blueberry Liqueur made just under one and a half bottles.
Give it a go and let me know how it went! Maybe even try something new and let us know how it turned out?
Salute!!!
