Infused with Madness

Rose Vodka

I made this in post-Valentine’s day fit. I don’t know what possessed me, but I had some dried rose buds (Mei Gu Hua!) lying around. Why, you ask? That’s an interesting question. Let’s just say that since starting TCM/Witchcraft school, the amount of weird items in my apartment has vastly increased.

What’s its: 

• Gallon-sized mason jar
• Rose buds (about 1oz dried)
• Vodka (I used a mid-range vodka, as the rose buds don’t cover up the flavor of cheap liquor like other, stronger infusors)
• Cheesecloth

How’s its: Put the rose buds and the vodka in the jar. I really only had to steep it overnight; you’ll be able to tell when it’s done because the roses will have lost their color. Then strain through the cheesecloth.

Recommended pairings: Rose vodka martini with an orange twist, rose vodka and soda with cucumber, rose vodka and soda with orange bitters. Experiment and try out what works best for you!

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.