355. Hooch

The ginger vodka came out pretty damn good.  I don't think it is identical to the Yazi by any means, but it's aromatic and wonderful.  And it was well needed at the end of my day yesterday.

In the end, I added a whole vanilla bean (but I realize I might have gotten more intense vanilla flavor if I had sliced the bean -- didn't think of it 'til now), three whole cloves, an unmeasured amount of dried orange peel, and some ground nutmeg.  Mmmmm, festive and quite delicious.  (I started out with 3 cups of vodka and a 4-inch piece of fresh ginger, chopped.  I let it infuse for 3 or 4 days.  I strained it through a coffee filter, then froze it for a while and drank it ice cold.)  Nice! 

I did not add any sugar, and it seemed ok to me without it, though just a touch of sugar would be nice, too. The way Margene served it, on a high-quality vanilla ice cream with fresh blackberries, was soooo.good, and I think this homemade version would do me proud as a facsimile of the real thing.

In all, until I can get the real thing, I am quite happy with it.  And I had fun photographing it in the snow, too. 

Here's another photo that was kind of fun, except the liquor is not that yellow.  Reminds me too much of yellow snow.  I do love the blue snow, though. 

 

Comments

[moiraeknittoo]

That sounds so incredible right now. I wish I had some. I think that may very well be one of the first things I do if I get a job. Celebrate with ginger vodka! :D

[Cheryl S.]

You had so much of it that you don't remember if it was 3 days or 4 days for the infusion?
You lush.

[Stephanie]

That sounds delicious! We're getting clobbered with snow over here in the Seattle area and I happen to have from Grey Goose and a big chunk of ginger. I think I'll try it as well! (The stores around here do have teh Yazi...but I sure as hell can't get to any right now!)

[gayle]

When I was making tomato marmalade last year, I ran to my local grocery for crystallized ginger = which they didn't have. I ended up buying something in the "exotic" section called Sweet Ginger Balls. (And I challenge you to say that out loud without cracking up!)
It's round lumps of gingerroot in a syrup, very sweet and gingery. Might be worth a vodka experiment. (Or two...)
And btw, the marmalade turned out to be mega-delicious!

[Jean E.]

Sounds yummy. Maybe just the thing to sip by the fire while spending the day worrying about grown children who are out in this blizzard we are having today. And Gayle, I think I must locate sweet ginger balls. Priceless.

[Angie]

It looks and sounds delicious, Norma. I'm made lemon vodka but this sounds much easier. Sweet ginger balls! :D

[Renee]

Mmmmmmmm!

[margene]

I'm so glad it worked!! Your concoction sounds fabulous.

[Cindi Pettigrew]

I had not heard of Yazi, but actually found it in our ABC store. A very cool looking bottle. It's destined as a gift to a good friend who loves vodka drinks. I'm really hoping I can get a taste after reading your description.

If I could figure out a way I'd send you one too...UPS maybe?

[Judy]

Sounds pretty darn good to me. I'll check for vodka. I know I have the ginger.

[Paul]

Yummmm!!!!! I never thought about flavoring my own vodka (of course, I rarely even cook, so why would I think about doing this???). And yes, it should always be kept in the freezer - always ready to entertain!

[Katie B.]

I watched a friend start some Limoncello the other day. Yours sounds about as good as that looked.

My first thought, however, on seeing the first picture, was, "Gosh, that's about what my yard looks like this morning! Inches of snow yesterday, followed by freezing rain last night. I kid you not, we saw a couple ski by down the street at about 8!

Sweet Ginger Balls.

[--Deb]

It seems like it should be more satisfying that way, anyway ... homemade instead of storebought!

[Cookie]

I knew you could do it. It sounds lovely and is a good reminder that we can do more with vodka than make our own vanilla extract.

I hope you've thawed out from your Saturday by now. xo

[naomi]

Oooh, that sounds good. *adds to tomorrow's grocery list*

Your blue snow is lovely, too. (And all we've got here is remnants of sleet and freezing rain...)

[Lee Ann]

Are you okay down there? We're getting totally dumped on.

I don't usually like vodka, but add ginger to it and you might convince me :-) Smooches and a big hug to you both!

[elizabeth a airhart]

your drink would look lovely in a sand dune on long boat key

[Seanna Lea]

Based on your ginger vodka, you would probably also like Krupnik (http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/poland/krupnik.html)! I made some a while back and it is powerful stuff. Very tasty (even if it reminds some of my friends of Big Red gum).

[Martha]

Just so you know, after reading your post on the Yazi, I had to go and find some as a Christmas present for my husband. I had to go to two stores (the first didn't have it, but called ahead for me) to get it, and now I have two bottles wrapped up underneath my tree. I can't wait for Christmas now for him to open it. :-)

[scoutj]

wait. I missed you making ginger vodka!?!?!?

[Julie]

I've been wanting to try playing around with infused vodka -- may have to try something like this. Very festive!