Mock Aquavit and Spiced Spirits
Making aquavit this way is a really fun way to experiment with aromas. If you have the time and patience to wait for a couple of weeks - you will be rewarded.
INGREDIENTS:
Number of servings
Serves 4 (Makes 1 liter)
List of ingredients
2 teaspoons caraway seeds, or more
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons dill seeds
2 star anise
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 whole clove
One 1-inch (2 ½cm) cinnamon stick (optional)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds (optional)
One 1-quart (1l) bottle potato vodka
PREPARATION:
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.
When the aquavit has reached the desired intensity of flavor, strain and discard the solids; return the aquavit to the bottle.
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.