Botanical-Infused Vodka with Juniper and Citrus: Gin’s Cheeky Cousin

Drinks

By infusing vodka with juniper berries, citrus zest, and a variety of botanicals, you can create a unique flavour profile reminiscent of gin. Think of it as gin’s cheeky cousin! The juniper provides that classic gin taste, while the citrus zest adds brightness and complexity. Experimenting with additional botanicals like coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon can further enhance the depth of flavours in your infused vodka. Remember to taste as you go to achieve the desired strength of botanical notes in your final product.

Ingredients

700 ml (24.6 oz or 3 cups)	vodka
2 tablespoons	juniper berries
1 tablespoon	coriander seeds
5	cardamom pods
1	small cinnamon stick
1	lemon zest (from one lemon)
1	orange zest (from one orange)

700 ml (24.6 oz or 3 cups)

vodka

2 tablespoons

juniper berries

1 tablespoon

coriander seeds

cardamom pods

small cinnamon stick

lemon zest (from one lemon)

orange zest (from one orange)

method of cooking

1	Begin by sterilising a large glass jar with an airtight lid. This will ensure your infusion stays fresh and free from unwanted bacteria.
2	Add the vodka to the jar, followed by the juniper berries, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and orange zest. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
3	Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for at least three to five days. Taste it daily to monitor the flavour development.
4	Once you've achieved the desired flavour, strain the vodka through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Decant the infused vodka into a clean bottle and reseal it.
5	Enjoy your botanical-infused vodka neat, over ice, or as a base for cocktails.

Begin by sterilising a large glass jar with an airtight lid. This will ensure your infusion stays fresh and free from unwanted bacteria.

Add the vodka to the jar, followed by the juniper berries, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and orange zest. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for at least three to five days. Taste it daily to monitor the flavour development.

Once you've achieved the desired flavour, strain the vodka through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Decant the infused vodka into a clean bottle and reseal it.

Enjoy your botanical-infused vodka neat, over ice, or as a base for cocktails.

3-5 days Prep

10 minutes - Cooking

Feel free to experiment with other botanicals like star anise, lavender, or peppercorns for a personal touch. Always taste your infusion as it develops to ensure the flavours are balanced to your liking.