Pepper and Garlic Infused Vodka
Infused Vodkas are all the rage lately.
For the past couple years I have been growing a type of Pepper, called “Biker Billy” Peppers. I found “Biker Billy” Peppers at my local garden center here in Minnesota. The tag said “VERY HOT” and I knew I had to buy the plant. They are easy to grow, and the plant produces a lot of Peppers throughout the season. I usually put three plants into a large pot and grow them on my deck.
Here is what my plants look like.
You see the Peppers are a smaller variety reminiscent of the Jalapeno and in fact, they are in the Jalapeno family. They are blazing Hot! They were produced by, Billy Hufnagle, a Cookbook Author, TV Personality and of course, a Biker.
At the end of this last growing season, I decided to take the final few Peppers and create some Infused Vodka for Bloody Mary’s.
My husband raved about this Infused Vodka and he can’t wait for the next growing season so I can make more. We served it at brunch for a Bloody Mary bar, and it was a hit.
PEPPER AND GARLIC INFUSED VODKA
Ingredients:
- 12 Ounces Vodka
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Biker Billy Peppers or 2 Serrano Peppers
Directions:
1. First you need to find your vessel. A mason Jar or cruet will do. Something with a tight fitting lid, it should also be glass. For this recipe, I used a quarter liter glass cruet.
2. Select a quality Vodka. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can use a cheap Vodka because you are infusing it with flavor. Cheap Vodka is still cheap Vodka. You don’t have to use an expensive brand go for middle of the road and definitely avoid the cheap stuff.
3. Peel 2 Garlic Cloves and place in the cruet.
4. Next select 2 Peppers. Wash them and leave the stem in tact. Cut a slit about 1 inch long on each side of the Pepper, be careful not to go all the way through. This helps release all the flavor of the Pepper yet keeps it in tact so it doesn’t cloud the Vodka.
5. Pour in 12 Ounces of Good Vodka, over the Peppers and Garlic.
6. Seal the lid tightly and store the Vodka in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. I stored mine on a shelf in the kitchen away from direct sunlight and it was fine. Don’t store it in the refrigerator. Leave the Vodka sit for 4-5 days to ensure the flavors have infused into the Vodka.
7. Taste the Vodka to ensure the flavor is where you want it to be. The flavor will be intense. Add the Infused Vodka to your drink of choice. Serving this in a Bloody Mary cocktail is an excellent choice.
Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker
