| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 223 | 0g | 0g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
When you live in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, as I do, you learn very quickly to embrace the rugged beauty surrounding you, and that includes the bounty nature provides. That’s where I found the inspiration for my newest concoction, Sweet Woodruff Infused Vodka. An all-natural, homemade liqueur, it’s truly a celebration of the harmonious union between earthy sweet woodruff and the crisp, refreshing hit of vodka.
There’s nothing quite like spending an evening under the open sky, the tranquil silence punctuated only by the crackling of a warm, inviting campfire. And what could be better than passing around a flask of your very own homemade spirit? The recipe may be simple, but the experience is rich—much like the taste of this infused vodka.
Making Sweet Woodruff Infused Vodka: A Nature-Inspired Adventure
Creating this infusion is an adventure in itself, starting with the foraging of sweet woodruff, a plant native to Europe that’s been naturalized in parts of North America. Its bright green leaves, clustered in whorls, are not only a beautiful sight but are known to have unique health benefits, like improving sleep and digestion.
Infusing vodka with sweet woodruff gives the spirit an aromatic, woodsy taste that’s subtly sweet. This makes it incredible for a neat post-dinner sip, like an intriguing alternative to your typical aperitif. But, the inherent versatility means it can be the creative twist needed for your favorite cocktails too. Imagine a Moscow Mule or a refreshing vodka tonic, the complexity layered by this infusion taking these classics to new heights.
An Articulate Balance: Sweet, Citrusy, and Earthy
You’d be surprised by the depth of flavors that are brought together in this Sweet Woodruff Infused Vodka. The sweetness derived from the sugar, although overt, dances beautifully together with the citrus hit from the lemon zest. Don’t get me started on the vodka; its neutral character ensures it’s a perfect canvas, enhancing rather than overshadowing the other elements.
It takes me back to those shared meals with Gordon—delicious, hearty fare followed by a generous pour of this vodka, warming us up as the Colorado nights got colder. It’s suitable for any occasion, but I’ll always associate it with those intimate moments, making the recipe even closer to my heart.
Though it’s a sublime drink on its own, it also works wonders when paired with complementary dishes—think game meats or light trout salads. The complex flavors of this vodka can truly elevate any meal, making it an ideal companion for a gourmet dinner party.
So, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or merely an adventurous spirits enthusiast, give our Sweet Woodruff Infused Vodka a try. Its versatility, depth of flavor, and the connection to nature will make it a firm favorite. Who knows? You might find your own love story within its unique taste.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of vodka
- 1 cup of fresh sweet woodruff leaves
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 6 strips of lemon zest
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the sweet woodruff leaves thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry and ensure they are clean before use. Do the same with the lemon zest.
Step Two
Take a large glass jar and insert the sweet woodruff leaves at the bottom. Over that, add the strips of lemon zest.
Step Three
Pour the two cups of vodka into the jar, ensuring that the sweet woodruff leaves and lemon zest strips are fully covered. Close the jar tightly once done.
Step Four
Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for about two weeks to allow the flavors to infuse into the vodka. Shake the jar gently every few days.
Step Five
After two weeks, prepare a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it cool.
Step Six
Strain the vodka infusion, discarding the sweet woodruff leaves and lemon zest. Pour the vodka back into the jar, then add the cooled sugar syrup. Shake well to combine.
Step Seven
Allow the infused vodka to sit for another few days before serving to ensure the flavors are fully melded.
