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Prep Time: 60 Minutes Cook Time: 4320 Minutes |
Ready In: 4380 Minutes Servings: 20 |
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There are three cardinal rules of drinking in Russia. The first is that you NEVER drink alone. To sit by yourself in front of an open bottle is considered abnormal and antisocial. Even the self professed drunkard abides by this rule, coming together as a small group (na troikh - for three) and chipping in for half a liter and some sausage or a bite of herring. The second cardinal rule of Russian drinking is to NEVER drink without eating something immediately after. The zakuska or little bite takes on a literal meaning. The little bite should be salty (to incourage more drinking!) such as pickles, olives, or herring. The third rule is to NEVER sip your vodka, and NEVER add ice or tonic. Although you can purchase commercial flavored vodkas, it's more fun to make your own, which you can do so in just a few minutes. I prefer to use a real Russian vodka, such as Stolichnaya. In a pinch I will use Absolut. Make at least two or three flavors and serve in cut crystal or glass decanters. A 750 ml bottle of vodka makes about 16 1 1/2 ounce drinks. Ingredients:
1 1/2 lemons, zest of, to make grated zest |
1 (750 ml) bottle stolichnaya vodka |
6 -8 pieces bison grass (available at herb stores) |
1 (750 ml) bottle stolichnaya vodka |
4 teaspoons pink peppercorns |
1 (750 ml) bottle stolichnaya vodka |
1 tablespoon coriander seed, lightly crushed |
1 (750 ml) bottle stolichnaya vodka |
1 tablespoon anise seed |
1 (750 ml) bottle stolichnaya vodka |
Directions:
1. To make a lemon flavored vodka (Limonnaya):.
2. Make sure no white is left on the rind, as it will make the taste bitter.
3. Add the zest to the vodka and infuse for at least 4 hours, but no more than 12 at room temperature. Strain and chill.
4. To make Buffalo Grass Vodka (Zubrovka):.
5. Add the buffalo grass to the vodka and infuse for at least 8 hours. Remove all but two blades of the buffalo grass. Chill.
6. To make Pepper Vodka (Pertzovka):.
7. Add the peppercorns to the vodka and infuse for at least 8 hours, 3 days maximum. Strain and chill.
8. To make Coriander Vodka (Koriandrovaya):.
9. Add the coriander seeds to the vodka and infuse for at least 6 hours, maximum 24 hours. Strain and chill.
10. To make Anise Vodka(Anisovaya):.
11. Add the aniseed to the vodka and infuse for 3 to 5 hours. Strain and chill.
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