The Art of Infusion: Crafting Your Own Flavored Vodkas

There’s a certain reverence for vodka in Russian culture, a spirit deeply woven into the fabric of social gatherings and celebrations. I recall a particularly memorable evening spent in a dacha outside Moscow, where our host, a jovial babushka with twinkling eyes, brought out a collection of homemade flavored vodkas. The air, already crisp with the scent of pine, was soon alive with the vibrant aromas of dill, pepper, and even a hint of sun-ripened berries. It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about the shared experience, the laughter that flowed as freely as the vodka, and the meticulous care that went into each distinct infusion. Making your own flavored vodka is a way to tap into that same spirit of hospitality and creativity, transforming a simple spirit into something truly personal and memorable.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (infusion time varies)
• Total Time: Minimum 4 hours, up to 3 days
• Servings: 16 (1.5 ounce servings per 750ml bottle)
• Yield: Approximately 16 x 1.5 ounce drinks
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

For these infusions, it’s always best to start with a good quality, neutral vodka. Stolichnaya is a classic choice, embodying the spirit of its origin, while Absolut makes a perfectly acceptable substitute if Stolichnaya is unavailable. The key is a clean, smooth base that won’t overpower the delicate flavors you introduce.

For Lemon Vodka (Limonnaya):

• 1.5 lemons, zest of (ensure no white pith remains)
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Stolichnaya vodka (or Absolut)

For Bison Grass Vodka (Zubrovka):

• 6-8 pieces bison grass (available at herb stores or specialty food shops)
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Stolichnaya vodka (or Absolut)

For Pepper Vodka (Pertzovka):

• 4 teaspoons pink peppercorns
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Stolichnaya vodka (or Absolut)

For Coriander Vodka (Koriandrovaya):

• 1 tablespoon coriander seed, lightly crushed
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Stolichnaya vodka (or Absolut)

For Anise Vodka (Anisovaya):

• 1 tablespoon anise seed
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Stolichnaya vodka (or Absolut)

Equipment Needed

• Glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids (one for each flavor)
• Sharp vegetable peeler or microplane zester
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for straining
• Funnel (optional, but helpful for pouring into bottles)
• Measuring spoons and measuring cup

Instructions

Crafting flavored vodka is a wonderfully simple process, relying on patience and the magic of infusion. The key is to allow the ingredients to gently impart their essence into the vodka without becoming too harsh.

To Make Lemon Vodka (Limonnaya):

1. Begin by carefully zesting the 1.5 lemons. It is crucial to remove only the bright yellow outer layer of the peel. The white pith beneath is bitter and will negatively impact the flavor of your vodka. You can achieve this with a sharp vegetable peeler, carefully removing the zest in strips, or by using a microplane zester for a finer result.
2. Place the prepared lemon zest directly into a clean glass bottle or jar.
3. Pour the entire 750 ml bottle of Stolichnaya vodka over the lemon zest.
4. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
5. Allow the vodka to infuse for at least 4 hours at room temperature. For a more intense lemon flavor, you can infuse for up to 12 hours. Avoid infusing for longer, as the zest can start to break down and impart bitterness.
6. Once the desired infusion time has passed, strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all the zest.
7. Transfer the strained lemon vodka to a clean bottle or decanter. Chill thoroughly before serving.

To Make Bison Grass Vodka (Zubrovka):

1. Add the 6-8 pieces of bison grass to a clean glass bottle or jar.
2. Pour the 750 ml bottle of Stolichnaya vodka over the bison grass.
3. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
4. Allow the vodka to infuse for at least 8 hours at room temperature. The longer it infuses, the more pronounced the characteristic sweet, herbaceous, and slightly vanilla-like notes of bison grass will become.
5. After infusing, carefully remove all but two blades of the bison grass from the vodka. These remaining blades add a visual appeal and a subtle hint of the aroma.
6. Seal the bottle with the remaining blades and chill thoroughly before serving.

To Make Pepper Vodka (Pertzovka):

1. Place the 4 teaspoons of pink peppercorns into a clean glass bottle or jar. Pink peppercorns offer a milder, fruitier spice than black peppercorns, making them ideal for this infusion.
2. Pour the 750 ml bottle of Stolichnaya vodka over the peppercorns.
3. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
4. Infuse at room temperature for at least 8 hours. For a more robust peppery kick, you can extend the infusion period up to a maximum of 3 days. Be mindful that the longer it infuses, the spicier it will become.
5. Once the infusion is complete, strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the peppercorns.
6. Transfer the strained pepper vodka to a clean bottle or decanter. Chill before serving.

To Make Coriander Vodka (Koriandrovaya):

1. Lightly crush the 1 tablespoon of coriander seed. This can be done by placing the seeds in a bag and gently tapping them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This process releases the aromatic oils.
2. Add the crushed coriander seeds to a clean glass bottle or jar.
3. Pour the 750 ml bottle of Stolichnaya vodka over the coriander seeds.
4. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
5. Allow the vodka to infuse for at least 6 hours at room temperature. The maximum infusion time is 24 hours; any longer and the coriander can develop a slightly bitter edge.
6. Strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the coriander seeds.
7. Transfer the strained coriander vodka to a clean bottle or decanter. Chill thoroughly before serving.

To Make Anise Vodka (Anisovaya):

1. Place the 1 tablespoon of anise seed into a clean glass bottle or jar.
2. Pour the 750 ml bottle of Stolichnaya vodka over the anise seeds.
3. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
4. Infuse at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours. Anise has a strong flavor, so it’s important to monitor the infusion closely to avoid an overpowering licorice taste.
5. Strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the anise seeds.
6. Transfer the strained anise vodka to a clean bottle or decanter. Chill before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Quality Ingredients Matter: While these are simple infusions, starting with fresh herbs, spices, and quality citrus zest will yield the best results.
• Taste as You Go: For flavors like pepper or even lemon, it’s wise to taste a small amount of the infused vodka every few hours (after the minimum infusion time) to ensure you achieve your desired flavor profile.
• Cleanliness is Key: Ensure all your bottles, jars, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and dried before you begin to prevent any unwanted flavors or spoilage.
• Storage for Longevity: Once infused and strained, flavored vodkas will last a considerable time. Keep them sealed in a cool, dark place.
• Visual Appeal: Consider using clear glass decanters to showcase the beautiful colors and ingredients of your homemade infusions. For the bison grass vodka, leaving a couple of blades in the bottle adds a lovely visual touch.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your homemade flavored vodkas chilled, neat, or on the rocks. They are also excellent bases for cocktails. For a truly authentic experience, serve them alongside traditional Russian zakuski (appetizers) such as pickles, cured fish, or savory pastries.

• Serving Temperature: Chilled is best for most flavored vodkas.
• Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dark place.
• Shelf Life: Unopened, these flavored vodkas will retain their quality for up to a year. Once opened, it’s best to consume them within 6-12 months for optimal flavor. Refrigeration is recommended after opening for extended freshness. No reheating is necessary for vodka.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information for flavored vodkas can vary significantly based on the ingredients used for infusion. This table provides a general estimate for a 1.5-ounce serving of unflavored vodka, with minimal impact from the infusions listed, assuming no added sugar.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	~100 kcal	5%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	0 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	0 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	0 g	0%
Alcohol	~14 g	N/A

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of making your own flavored vodka lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients:

• Berry Infusions: Use fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries for vibrant and fruity vodkas.
• Herbal Delights: Rosemary, thyme, or mint can add a sophisticated herbal note.
• Spicy Kick: For a bolder heat, try infusing with dried chilies (like a whole dried serrano or a small piece of habanero) or even a few cloves of garlic.
• Citrus Twists: Experiment with orange or lime zest in addition to or instead of lemon.
• Sweet Undertones: A few dried apricots or a vanilla bean can impart subtle sweetness.

When substituting ingredients, always consider their intensity. A little goes a long way with many spices and herbs.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take for the flavors to infuse into the vodka?
A: Infusion times vary depending on the ingredient, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours for lemon zest to up to 3 days for peppercorns.

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried spices?
A: Yes, fresh herbs can be used, but you may need to adjust the quantity and infusion time. Fresh ingredients often have a more delicate flavor and may infuse more quickly.

Q: What is the best way to store homemade flavored vodka?
A: Store sealed in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the flavor for longer.

Q: Can I re-use the ingredients after infusing the vodka?
A: It is not recommended to re-use the infusion ingredients as their flavor will have been significantly depleted.

Q: What is the ideal vodka to use for infusions?
A: A neutral, good-quality vodka with a smooth profile is best, as it allows the infused flavors to shine without competing.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own flavored vodkas is a rewarding culinary adventure that elevates simple spirits into something truly special. It’s an invitation to play with flavors, to share your creations with friends, and to experience a touch of homemade tradition. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and discover the delightful spectrum of tastes that await you. Cheers!