| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 24 hours (for infusion) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 228 | 0g | 0g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 0.33g | 0.33g | 0g |
The first time I crafted a batch of Gac fruit-infused vodka, I was reminded of the rich, intoxicating aromas that filled my Italian grandparents’ kitchen back in New Jersey. They would simmer homemade tomato sauce or bake fresh bread all afternoon, embedding layers of flavor and aroma into every bite. While my recipe ces from halfway around the world, it taps into that same essence of patience, love, and craft.
The Beauty of Gac
Gac, a vibrant, spiky melon native to Southeast Asia, brings both color and a delightful, mildly sweet flavor profile to this infused vodka recipe. Its earnings as a “superfruit” are also well-deserved, as Gac is a rich source of antioxidants and lycopene, promoting healthier skin and eyes while packing a formidable anti-aging punch.
Subtle Sweetness
The inclusion of a cup of white sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice tempers the vodka’s strength while enduring a beautiful balance of flavors. The result is a drink that can be savored on its own, ice-cold and straight from the freezer, or it could form the basis of wonderfully refreshing cocktails on a hot summer day. If spaghetti and meatballs are the soul food of my Italian heritage, this Gac fruit-infused vodka represents the exotic joy of my culinary ventures.
A Versatile Companion
While I’ve always celebrated the unique qualities of my Gac fruit-infused vodka, its charm lies in its compatibility with various dishes, regardless of the cuisine. Pair it with a cheese platter or chargrilled vegetables, and relish how it brings out the depth of flavors in these dishes. Or if you’re a sweet tooth, I find that pairing it with a refreshing sorbet is a match made in heaven, akin to pairing a hearty red wine with a perfectly cooked steak.
Just like the rest of my culinary journey, this Gac fruit-infused vodka recipe represents a chunk of my life, my experiences, and my love for uniqueness and authenticity. It’s a step away from the hearty Italian-American dishes I grew up on, yet it carries the same nostalgic essence that all family traditions emanate.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 of a Gac fruit, scooped out
- 2 cups of high-quality vodka
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start by cutting the Gac fruit in half. Scoop out the flesh from one half and set the other half aside. You may also remove the seeds from the fruit if you wish.
Step Two
Place the scooped Gac fruit in a large jar. Pour the vodka over the fruit until it is fully submerged. Ensure that the jar is tightly sealed, and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about a week for the flavors to infuse. You can shake the jar gently every other day to distribute the flavors.
Step Three
After the week is over, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar, ensuring that all the Gac fruit pulp is removed. Do not squeeze or press the fruit during this process, as it can make the vodka cloudy.
Step Four
While the vodka is infusing, you can prepare a simple syrup by combining the white sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
Step Five
Add the cooled simple syrup to the strained vodka and stir well. You may adjust the sweetness according to taste by adding less or more of the simple syrup.
Step Six
Add the tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the Gac fruit-infused vodka. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. Your Gac fruit-infused vodka is now ready to enjoy. Store it in the refrigerator and shake well before use.
