Mock Aquavit and Spiced Spirits

PREPARATION:

• 1

  Add the spices to the vodka bottle and cover tightly. Let stand for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how strong you want the aquavit to be. Shake the bottle every once in a while.

• 2

  When the aquavit has reached the desired intensity of flavor, strain and discard the solids; return the aquavit to the bottle.

• 3

  Good Easy-to-Make Schnapps

Schnapps with dill: Add 1 small bunch fresh dill to a bottle of vodka. Let stand for 1 to 2 days.

Schnapps with ginger: Add a 1½-inch piece of ginger, cut into slices, to a bottle of vodka. Let stand for 2 to 4 days. Strain out the ginger before serving.

Schnapps with cinnamon and cardamom: Add 1 cinnamon stick and 2 cardamom pods to a bottle of vodka. Leave the spices in the vodka indefinitely.

Snaps with horseradish: Add 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped horseradish to a bottle of vodka. Let stand for 12 to 24 hours. Strain out the horseradish before serving.

Snaps with mint: Add 1 small bunch mint (2 ounces) to a bottle of vodka. Let stand for 2 days.

Snaps with blueberries and cinnamon: Add 1/3 cup wild blueberries and 1/2 cinnamon stick to a bottle of vodka. Let stand for 2 days before straining out the blueberries; the cinnamon can be left in the vodka indefinitely or until you find the cinnamon flavoring overpowering.

Snaps with lemongrass and star anise: Add 2 stalks trimmed lemongrass, 3 star anise, and 4 black peppercorns to a bottle of vodka. The spices can be left in indefinitely or until you find the flavoring overpowering.