Honeysuckle Vodka: A Flower Liqueur
User Reviews
5
Honeysuckle Vodka: A Flower Liqueur
Description
The infusion begins by gently washing and drying honeysuckle flowers, which are then placed into a glass jar. Orange zest is added atop the flowers to infuse a citrus note. Vodka is poured carefully over the ingredients ensuring the flowers remain submerged to maximize flavor extraction. The jar is sealed and set aside away from direct sunlight for 2 to 3 weeks, allowing the vodka to absorb the floral and citrus aromas.
Once infused, the mixture is strained through a fine mesh sieve to remove flower and zest solids. Simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water is added afterward to impart sweetness and balance the floral notes. This homemade flower liqueur can be used in cocktails or enjoyed as a lightly flavored vodka.
Due to the high alcohol content, the liqueur is shelf-stable but should be stored in an airtight container and used within about a year. Any unusual flavors or visible mold indicate it should be discarded.
Ingredients
Initial Infusion:
- 2 cups honeysuckle flowers From the Japanese honeysuckle plant, stems and leaves removed
- 1 navel orange organic and unwaxed preferred
- 2 cups vodka avoid wheat-based vodka to stay gluten-free, unflavored, 80 proof
Simple Syrup: (Added After the Vodka Has Infused)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Equipment Needed:
- glass jar with lid (16oz mason jar ideal)
- chopstick or butter-knife to push down flowers
- mesh sieve
Instructions
Infusing Honeysuckle Vodka:
- Clean honeysuckle by dipping flowers in cool water and then laying out on a towel to dry.
- Once flowers have dried, place them in a glass jar, and gently push them down until their aren't large air bubbles-- DO NOT squash the flowers. Some extra space is fine.
- Wash orange in warm water, using a vegetable scrub brush if the orange is waxed. Remove the peel with a vegetable peeler, taking care to only get the orange zest and not the white pith. Add the peel to the top of the jar, above the honeysuckle. Make sure to add the orange peel last-- it will serve as a weight and keep the honeysuckle submerged. (You can eat the orange-- you're not adding it to the jar.)
- Slowly pour the vodka into the jar, using a chopstick to gently push down the flowers and orange peel. Seal the jar with a lid, and set jar aside for 2-3 weeks. The jar doesn't have to be in the dark, but make sure it's out of direct sunlight.
- Once the vodka has finished infusing, pour it through a mesh sieve to remove the flowers and orange peel.
Sweetening Vodka:
- Add sugar and water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir to ensure all the sugar has been dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Once the syrup has cooled, add half of the sugar simple syrup to the vodka. Taste, and see if you want it to be sweeter. Sweeten more if desired.
- Store the vodka out of direct sunlight in an airtight container, and drink it straight or in mixed drinks. Use within one year.
Notes
- This infusion yields approximately 2 cups of honeysuckle-flavored vodka.
- Store the liqueur in a sealed container to maintain flavor and quality for up to one year.
- If the infused vodka develops off smells or mold, discard it immediately for safety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 161 oz shots
Amount Per Serving
Calories 93 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 93kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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