Basic vodka can be turned into something more luscious even before adding a mixer. Try infusing some vodka with chocolate for a cheaper, tastier alternative to the more expensive flavored vodkas at the liquor store.
Instructions
Infuse Your Vodka
1. Choose your vodka. Inexpensive vodka like Smirnoff can be infused, but a more quality vodka like Grey Goose will make your final product go down more smoothly.
2. Pick your chocolate. Vodka can be infused successfully with unsweetened cocoa powder. The key to a good chocolate vodka is the quality of the chocolate you put into it. If you choose a cocoa powder, buy a quality product like Ghirardelli over Hershey's. If you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, choose Dutch-process cocoa, which is less acidic.
3. Decide on the kind of container in which to infuse your vodka. When you infuse vodka with cocoa powder, you can make your concoction right in the vodka bottle. However, if you're making a large batch, you may prefer to use a gallon-size glass jar with a screw-on lid. You can find jars like this at the Specialty Bottle website (see Resources below).
4. Measure out 1 cup of cocoa powder per 750 ml of vodka. Pour it into the bottle of vodka through a funnel, or simply pour it and the vodka into a wide-mouthed jar. Stir or shake to combine.
5. Place the container in a cool, dark area, such as a little-used closet. Each week, take out your infusion and shake or stir it.
6. Taste the vodka after 2 weeks has passed. It generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks to develop the flavor fully.
7. Pour the mixture through a coffee strainer and into another resealable container.
Make a Simple Syrup
8. Combine one part sugar to two parts water in a small saucepan.
9. Place over medium heat and stir until all of the sugar has completely dissolved.
10. Cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container.
Sweeten Your Infusion
11. Pour the syrup into the vodka using a spoon, tasting until you reach the desired level of sweetness.
12. Pour the vodka into a decorative bottle and place it in a cool, dark place.
Tags: cocoa powder, cool dark, make your, vodka into, vodka like