| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
Please note that the nutrition facts for homemade recipes can vary quite a bit, especially with a recipe like this where most ingredients don’t have a significant amount of nutritional value, besides vodka and sugar. The following values are estimated based on the main ingredients:
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 0g | 0g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
I have always had a soft spot for drinks that marry tradition and innovation, much like our beloved Southern cuisine. That’s why I am sharing this recipe for a delightful, fruity concoction – the Woodruff Infused Vodka. This libation borrows inspiration from Southern flavors while incorporating fresh, earthy accents of woodruff. It’s the perfect reflection of Southern tradition meeting a more contemporary palate.
The Charm of Woodruff Infused Vodka
Woodruff Infused Vodka is a nod to my roots and my personal love for experimenting with flavors. This cocktail captures the Southern warmth and hospitality with its mix of vodka, fresh woodruff leaves, sweet sugar, a tang of lemon zest, and a pop of assorted fresh fruit for garnishing.
Woodruff, besides being pleasantly aromatic, is known for its calming properties. So, this fruity cocktail not only pleases the palate but also may help you unwind after a long day. Note the optional fresh fruit garnish, an addition that tickles the palate and elevates the whole drinking experience.
Pairing the Cocktail with Food
As a standalone, this vodka cocktail is satisfying. But paired with the right dishes, it’s sublime. For a true Southern feast, I recommend savoring this with some Lowcountry shrimp and grits or crispy fried chicken, marrying the coastal flair of Charleston with the heartiness of the mainland. The light, aromatic flavors of the Woodruff Infused Vodka cut through the richness of these traditional dishes, making for a balanced and delicious meal.
On movie nights – yes, I’m a big movie fan – I’ve found that this cocktail works particularly well with a simple bowl of popcorn or some Salted Caramel Apple Galette. The contrast between the sweetness of the desserts and the subtle herbaceous notes of the vodka is simply divine.
So whether you’re hosting a dinner party, settling down for a movie night, or just looking to relax with a delicious drink, give the Woodruff Infused Vodka a try. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this unique blend of tradition and twist, just as much as I have.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Vodka
- 1 cup Fresh Woodruff Leaves
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 Lemon (for zest)
- Assorted Fresh Fruit for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Wash the fresh Woodruff leaves and pat them dry. Make sure to discard any wilted or brown ones.
Step Two
Place the washed Woodruff leaves into a clean and airtight glass jar, then add the 2 cups of Vodka. Ensure that all the leaves are fully submerged.
Step Three
Seal the jar tightly and leave it in a cool and dark place for up to a week. Be sure to shake it lightly every other day.
Step Four
After a week, sieve the vodka into a clean bowl to remove the woodruff leaves.
Step Five
In a small saucepan, add half a cup of water and half a cup of sugar to prepare a simple syrup. Heat it over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Six
Pour the prepared simple syrup into the woodruff infused vodka. Stir it well to mix.
Step Seven
Zest a lemon and add it into the mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Step Eight
Transfer the Woodruff infused vodka back into the glass jar, seal it tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for another week to intensify the flavors.
Step Nine
After a week, your Woodruff infused vodka is ready for serving. You may wish to garnish with assorted fresh fruit before serving. Enjoy responsibly.
