The holidays are right around the corner. If you want to spread some homemade love this year, we have some ideas for you. Most of these only need a few ingredients, a pretty bow and some time.
EXTRACTS (5-6 weeks):
You can make many different flavors of extracts by steeping your ingredient of choice with vodka. The classic flavor, of course, is vanilla. You simply mix 1 cup of vodka with 5-6 vanilla beans in an 8 oz airtight jar and wait. Store in a cool dry place and wait 5 to 6 weeks. Strain if you wish. If you want to make other flavors here are our suggestions:
Lemon- rinds of 2 lemons
Mint- 1 cup mint leaves
Almond- 1/2 cup raw slivered almonds
Cinnamon- 2 cinnamon sticks
LIMONCELLO (4 days):
Combine the peels from 10 lemons with 750 ml vodka. Cover with plastic wrap and steep for 4 days in a dark, dry area at room temperature. Make a simple syrup with 3 1/2 cups water and 2 1/2 cups sugar. Cool completely then add to vodka mixture. Cover and let sit overnight. Strain. Pour into smaller bottles with top for gifting (optional).
INFUSION JARS (2-3 days):
These are 100% customizable. Have fun with this gift! You just need jars and your choice of spices and dried fruit. Add 16 ounces of alcohol to your sealable jars. We have ideas to match Spring44 Vodka, Spring44 Gin, and Spring44 Honey Vodka below. The amount of flavoring ingredients and infusion timing depends on personal preference. 2-3 days is a good start. Provide your homemade infused spirit and a mixer for the perfect hostess gift.
Here are some flavoring ideas:
Strawberry & Jalapeño in Honey Vodka
Hibiscus & Mango in Vodka
Orange & cinnamon in Honey Vodka
Grapefruit & rosemary in Gin
HOT CHOCOLATE MIX (30 minutes):
This mix is incredibly easy to make. Just pour them in jars and tie baby Spring44 Vodka 50mls bottles to them with a festive bow. Who doesn't like hot cocoa? And some like it spiked.
Sift these ingredients and combine.
Makes 8 servings. To serve combine 1/2 cup mix with 1/2 cup hot water.
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered milk
- cinnamon or ground candy cane, optional