FIRE VODKA

Fire Vodka image

I recently enjoyed this one warm on a cool night ... warmed me right up. Serving this delicious drink at my next party. I could not find blades mace. But I did some research and discovered that 1/2 tsp of ground mace = 1 blade. So I made this using 1 tsp of ground mace.

Provided by Cathy Smith

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 1/2 c honey
2/3 c de-chlorinated or bottled drinking water
2 inch piece of vanilla bean split and scraped into pan
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
4 stick cinnamon
8 whole cloves
zest of one lemon
zest of 1/2 orange
6 whole peppercorns
4 whole cardamom pods
4 whole allspice berries
2 blades mace
750 ml vodka or aka a fifth

Steps:

1. Cut the vanilla bean piece lenghwise to split it open. Add water to a saucepan. Add the vanilla bean in to the water.
2. Measure out the spices and add to the water. Then add in the honey and citrus zests. Add in the honey. Start cooking over medium high heat until it comes up to a simmer. Stir this well until honey is dissolved.Do not boil.
3. When it starts to simmer, stir one last time, then cover, drop the heat down to low, and set the timer for 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, turn the heat off, stir again, cover, and set the timer again for 20 minutes and allow the spices to steep. Stir in the vodka.
5. To store, pour the Fire Vodka into empty, clean bottles. One batch of this yields enough to fill a whole 750ml bottle, with about a cup left over.
6. You can drink it warm, as is. I have also found that letting it settle and age for a month gives fantastic results.
7. Leave the bottle undisturbed to rest for several days to a few weeks. You will notice spice sediments will begin to settle to the bottom.
8. Carefully transfer the clear top portion of the Fire Vodka into a fresh container for longer term storage. Pour carefully to keep the sediments undisturbed at the bottom. This transferred drink will be clear, colorful, and delicious both hot or cold!
9. Notes: To de-chlorinate your water simply pour it up ina container and cover it and let kit sit 24 hours. Use a good quality vodka when giving as a gift but use only the highest quality for yourself. Be careful when making this around open flames, it is definitely flammable. Use a good quality honey and orange blossom honey would be wonderful.