Winter holidays are just around the corner, and you know what that means - it's time to add a festive twist to your favorite alcoholic beverage! Introducing peppermint vodka, the ultimate wintery cocktail that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Want to learn how to make this mouth-watering concoction? Well, you've come to the right place! Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own batch of peppermint vodka, perfect for any holiday occasion or cozy night by the fire.
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
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Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
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Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
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Ingredients You'll Need
To make your own peppermint vodka, you'll need the following:
- 1 750 ml bottle of your favorite vodka
- Several peppermint candies (or candy canes)
- An empty, clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Choose Your Vodka Base
When it comes to choosing the vodka for your peppermint vodka, you'll want to go for a mid-range brand that gives you the best quality for your money. High-end vodka may be too expensive for this DIY project, and cheaper vodka may not give you the smoothest taste you're looking for. Some popular vodka brands for infusions include Absolut, Smirnoff, and Tito's.
Step 2: Crush the Peppermint Candies
Take your peppermint candies or candy canes and place them in a Ziploc bag or a cloth kitchen towel. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or a heavy-bottomed pan, crush the candies into small pieces. You'll want a variety of sizes, from powder to larger chunks, to give your vodka an interesting texture and a potent peppermint flavor.
Step 3: Combine Vodka and Peppermint
In your clean glass container, pour the crushed peppermint candies in first, followed by the vodka. Ensure the container has a tight-fitting lid so you don't lose any of the precious vodka during the infusion process.
Step 4: Let the Infusion Begin
Time for the magic to happen! Allow your vodka and peppermint concoction to sit at room temperature, with the lid secured tightly, for at least 24 hours. The longer it infuses, the stronger the peppermint flavor will become. Give the container a gentle shake every few hours to help the sugar from the peppermint dissolve and to speed up the infusing process.
Step 5: Strain, Bottle, and Enjoy!
Once the infusion process is complete, it's time to strain your peppermint vodka. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the vodka into a separate container to remove any remaining peppermint pieces. You can then funnel the strained vodka back into its original bottle or choose a fun and festive bottle for gift-giving.
Your peppermint vodka is now ready to enjoy or share as a delightful holiday gift! Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and quality.
How To Make Peppermint Vodka Example:
Now that you have your peppermint vodka, you can mix up a simple and delicious cocktail that's perfect for the holidays. Try a Peppermint White Russian by mixing:
- 2 oz. of your homemade peppermint vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlúa
- 1 oz. heavy cream or milk of your choice (for a vegan version, use almond or coconut milk)
Shake the ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a candy cane or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for some extra festive flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peppermint vodka?
Peppermint vodka is a flavored alcoholic beverage that infuses vodka with the essence of peppermint. This creates a refreshing and minty spirit that can be enjoyed on its own, in cocktails, or used in culinary recipes.
How do you make peppermint vodka at home?
To make peppermint vodka at home, you steep peppermint leaves or add peppermint extract to plain vodka and allow the flavors to infuse over a period, which can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the desired potency.
Can I use fresh peppermint leaves to flavor the vodka?
Absolutely, fresh peppermint leaves can be used to flavor vodka. Ensure they are thoroughly washed and muddled to release their oils before steeping in the vodka.
Is there a specific type of vodka I should use?
You can use any plain vodka of your preference. Higher-quality vodka might produce smoother results, but even mid-range vodka works well when infusing with strong flavors like peppermint.
How much peppermint should I use per volume of vodka?
The ratio usually depends on personal taste preferences. As a starting point, you might use about a handful of peppermint leaves or a few drops of peppermint extract per 750ml of vodka and adjust according to taste.
How long does it take to infuse vodka with peppermint?
The infusion time varies based on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Regular tasting is recommended to achieve the perfect balance.
Should the infusion be done at room temperature or refrigerated?
Infusing at room temperature is usually best to allow the vodka to fully absorb the peppermint flavor. However, if you're using fresh leaves, some suggest refrigeration to preserve leaf freshness during infusion.
How do I know when the peppermint vodka is ready?
You'll know the infusion is ready when the vodka has achieved your preferred level of peppermint flavor. Be sure to taste test your infusion periodically to avoid oversteeping.
Do I need to strain the peppermint leaves out of the vodka?
Yes, after infusion, you should strain out the peppermint leaves or any added ingredients to prevent over-infusion and to achieve a clear liquid.
How should I strain the vodka to remove the leaves or debris?
A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth works well for straining, especially after a finer filtration to remove any tiny particles that could cloud your vodka.
Can peppermint candy be used to make peppermint vodka?
Yes, peppermint candy can certainly be used and it can dissolve in the vodka to give it a sweet, minty flavor. Just be aware that it will also add sugar to your infusion.
What is the shelf life of homemade peppermint vodka?
Homemade peppermint vodka can last for several months if stored properly in a cool, dark place. The high alcohol content helps preserve the infusion.
Does peppermint vodka need refrigeration once it's made?
Refrigeration is not necessary, but storing your peppermint vodka in the refrigerator or freezer can give it a pleasant chilled viscosity and can be refreshing if served neat or in cocktails.
Can I make peppermint vodka using vodka and peppermint oil?
Yes, food-grade peppermint oil can be used to flavor vodka. It's potent, so start with just a small amount and add more to taste.
Will the peppermint flavor diminish over time?
The intensity of the peppermint flavor may diminish slightly over time, but if stored correctly, your vodka should retain its peppermint essence for many months.
How can I serve peppermint vodka?
Peppermint vodka can be served chilled and neat, on the rocks, or mixed into various cocktails. It also makes a festive addition to holiday beverages.
What are some popular cocktails that use peppermint vodka?
Popular cocktails including peppermint vodka are the Peppermint Martini, the Mint Chocolate White Russian, or a refreshing Peppermint Mule.
Can I use peppermint vodka in cooking or baking?
Yes, you can use it to add a minty flavor to culinary creations such as desserts, chocolates, or even savory sauces that could be enhanced with a touch of mint.
Is peppermint vodka suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While vodka is inherently gluten-free and suitable for some diets, it's important to consider individual allergies or dietary restrictions, especially when adding additional flavorings like extracts or candy.
How can I gift homemade peppermint vodka?
To gift homemade peppermint vodka, pour it into a clean, decorative bottle. You can personalize it with a custom label or ribbon, and include a card with cocktail recipes or serving suggestions.
Are there any legal concerns to be aware of when making peppermint vodka at home?
Making flavored vodka at home for personal consumption is typically fine, but be sure to check your local laws if you intend to sell or distribute it, as permits may be required.
Can peppermint vodka be too strong?
Yes, it is possible. If the infusion is too potent for your taste, you can dilute it by adding more plain vodka until the desired flavor strength is achieved.
So there you have it, a fool-proof guide to creating your very own peppermint vodka, perfect for holiday cocktails or a unique gift for friends and family. Remember to share this article with your fellow vodka enthusiasts and to explore the other amazing vodka guides here at Vodka Doctors. Cheers, and happy holidays!
