| Prep: 20 mins | Infuse: 24 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 953 | 0g | 0g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 52g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
As someone who’s grown up surrounded by the vibrant and diverse culinary culture of New York City, I’ve developed a keen love for food that transcends the ordinary. One such gem that’s truly captivated my taste buds is the Elderflower Infused Vodka. It’s fruity, floral, and refreshingly indulgent — a perfect encapsulation of the spirit of Manhattan’s nightlife, in my opinion.
A toast to health
Being mindful of my health has been an important part of my journey, both as a chef and a stage actor. The Elderflower Infused Vodka not only piques the palate but it also brings along several health benefits. Elderflower is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Combined with the natural goodness of lemon zest, this vodka infusion can be your go-to drink when you want to unwind without letting go of your health goals.
Diverse influences, versatile pairing
Just like the myriad cuisines that have found a home in the city of skyscrapers, this recipe too draws influence from different parts of the world. Its versatility can be attributed to the fact that it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a platter of hors d’oeuvres as an aperitif, or take cues from the Italians and enjoy it with a savory seafood pasta. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try it out with a classic NYC bagel and lox? There’s unlimited room for creativity here.
Despite its sophistication, the recipe is surprisingly simple, and by investing a little time you can create a beverage that’s richer and more nuanced than any store-bought infused vodka. Trust me, once you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve added a touch of gourmet flair to your home bar. So go ahead, give this Elderflower Infused Vodka a spin, and let me know how it turned up!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups vodka
- 12 elderflower heads
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 lemons (only zest needed)
Method
Step One
Start by removing the zest from the two lemons using a fine grater. Make sure to only remove the yellow layer, as the white layer beneath this is quite bitter.
Step Two
Proceed to prepare your elderflower heads by gently shaking them to remove any insects, and then lightly rinse them under cold water.
Step Three
In a large saucepan, combine your 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat this on a medium setting until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water to create a simple syrup.
Step Four
Once your syrup is ready, carefully add your elderflower heads and lemon zest. Make sure they are fully submerged in the syrup, then remove the saucepan from heat to allow the mixture to cool completely, absorbing all the flavors.
Step Five
After your syrup is completely cooled, strain it to remove all the solid elements. You can do this using a fine mesh strainer, or by lining a colander with a cheesecloth and pouring your mixture through it.
Step Six
Finally, combine your strained syrup and 6 cups of vodka in a large jar or bottle. Seal the lid tightly, and give it a good shake to fully blend the syrup and vodka together. Store your elderflower infused vodka in a cool, dark place for about a week before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
