If I could use four words to describe this recipe it would be: simple, easy, tedious and time. Don’t let the tedious part deter you, I did this while watching T.V and it took half an hour, I’ve been reaping (a.k.a drinking) the benefits for the last three months and it has been yum!
You’ll need:
- 2 liters of vodka
- 12 lemons
- a peeler
- a big jar
- a strainer
- someplace dark
- Wash all the lemons. Get a scourer and rub down the skin with soap and water. We’re doing this to get rid of any pesticide or wax. A thin layer of edible wax is put on the lemon skin to preserve them for longer and to deter bugs. If you get lemons from a farmer’s market, you’re laughing.
- While the lemons are drying, fill the biggest pot you have with hot water and bring it to a rolling boil. Put in your big jar and it’s lid for ten minutes. Drain and leave to dry on absorbent paper. This sanitises it so you eliminate any chance of mold growing on your vodka. Ew.
- Start peeling your lemons and putting the rind into the jar. This is the tedious part so watch T.V or listen to an amusing podcast at the same time. DO NOT get any of the pith (white stuff) into the jar, avoid it like the plague. It’s bitter, nasty stuff. The lovely lemon flavour only comes from the zest. Once all the lemons are peeled, fill the jar with vodka. Keep the original vodka bottle.
- Place in a dark corner for six weeks. Once a week, give it a swirl. Marvel at the change of colour. The vodka is going to suck out all the good stuff from the peel. You’ll know your vodka is ready when it’s a bright yellow colour and the lemon peels are drained white and brittle when you break them.
- Strain the vodka twice into the original vodka bottle. It’ll smell and taste like lemons. Yum. Enjoy the potent mix.
If you want to be really decadent, make a simple sugar syrup by boiling a cup of water, taking it off the heat and mixing it with two cups of white sugar. Wait to cool then mix this with a liter of the lemon vodka and shot it down like an Italian, or even better, with an Italian.
Last night I went over to a friend’s place and made a Lemon Vodka mojito with mint, sugar syrup, 7-up, loads of ice and lemon vodka. It went down a treat and didn’t leave me with a nasty hangover this morning. The options are endless.