Infused with Madness

Raspberry Mint Gin

In the past, I have often added this combination to my summer poolside gin and tonics, and thought that the infusion would be a more perfect realization of those heat-remedying refreshments. The result was actually quite surprising; rather than tasting like summer, it instead tastes like fall. It reminds me strongly of Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.

Life is full of these odd twists, I suppose. It’s still super delicious. I’m currently daydreaming about drink recipes to try it with…it’s much more entertaining than studying for my midterms.

Things:

• 1 pint-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth (super important - the raspberries produce a lot of detritus)
• ~1 handle Seagram’s gin
• 6 oz. raspberries
• 3 fresh mint sprigs

Procedure:

Combine the gin, raspberries, and mint into the mason jar. Store the mason jar in a cool, dark place, shaking 1-3 times daily. I infused it for five days, but make sure to try it on your own in order to get the taste you want.

Anyone want to come over and have early-late, whatever-Thanksgiving with me? I’ll bring the booze. We don’t even need a turkey.

Blackberry Ginger Gin

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m something of a gin fiend. This has in no way contributed to my health or any good choices in my life. It has, however, been instrumental in sustaining what remains of my sanity. This blackberry ginger variety is a sweet’n’warm way of enjoying the finest the juniper berry has to offer.

Here’s what:

• Pint-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth
• 1/2 handle of Seagram’s Gin
• 6 oz. blackberries
• 1/2 cup sliced ginger

Here’s how: Combine the gin, blackberries, and ginger in the mason jar. Store in a dark, dry place, shaking 1-3 times daily. I infused it for 9 days, but you can go to taste. The ginger notes are very heavy in this version; if you want more blackberry, I would add the blackberries first, wait three days, and then add the ginger and leave it for about 6 days.

Here’s what these lovely foodstuffs looked like before I left them gin-sodden:

Now their essence is slowly being drained…into my liver. Delicious.

Cucumber Rose Gin

Confession: I did this because I’m too cheap to pay for Hendrick’s.

Ingredients:

• Pint-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth
• 1/2 oz. dried rose buds (because I’m also too cheap to pay for rose petals)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 handle Seagram’s Gin

Methodology: Combine the gin, rose buds, and cucumber slices in the mason jar. Store the jar in a dark, dry place, shaking 1-3 times daily. I infused it for seven days, but taste it once every day or so to achieve your desired infused-ness. Strain through the cheesecloth and enjoy.

Pretty picture!

Normally I would say happy Easter, but I’m too swamped with herbs this weekend to engage in my normal celebratory viewing of The 10 Commandments and Ben-Hur. Next weekend, however, the Charlton Heston-a-thon is ON.

Blackberry Lavender Gin

Hello, Interwebs.

For the handful of you followed my femur-shattering madness at Diary of an Angry Femur, you’ll be please to know that my leg is mostly recovered, and that my current occupation at magic/acupuncture school is going well. However, as I am always looking for something bizarre to occupy my time, I’ve taken up a new obsession: alcohol infusion.

Those who know me are undoubtedly laughing.

My first experiment is a Blackberry Lavender Gin. If you wish to attempt this experiment for yourself, it is outrageously easy. Seriously. If I can do it, anyone can. Here’s what you need:

• 1 pint-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth
• 1/2 handle gin (I used Seagram’s, but it’s your choice)
• 6 oz. blackberries
• 2-3 springs fresh lavender

To infuse: combine all ingredients in mason jar. Store the jar in a dark place. Shake the jar 1-3 times daily to fully infuse the flavors. Remove the lavender after 9 days, and strain the liquid through a cheesecloth after 11 days. Place in your receptacle of choice and serve as desired.

Seriously. That’s it. You start with this:

And end with this:

Delicious, arguably nutritious, and a super awesome housewarming gift.

Or, if you’re selfish like me, it’s a self-satisfyingly pretentious way to get drunk while watching Game of Thrones.