Pepper Vodka Recipes

Steps:

• Add the peppercorns to the vodka and allow to sit in a cool dark place for 7 days. Stir or gently shake to combine every few days. After 7 days, strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the peppercorns. Place in a sterilized* glass container with a lid and store in a cool dark place.
• Tips on Sterilizing Jars Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.
• Sterilizing Tips: Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed. To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes. Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from boiling water. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes. As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands. After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Steps:

• Pour a shot or two of vodka out for yourself to compensate for the space the peppers will take.
• Cut a slit into each pepper. Remove seeds and inner tendril. Try to keep the peppers looking pretty.
• Insert each pepper into the bottle. Close bottle and store for at least 1 month if 80 proof, 3 months if 90 proof, the longer the better.

Steps:

• Prepare the vodka at least 48 hours early. Place peppercorns and lemon zest in vodka, recork and leave to macerate 24 hours. Then place in freezer until ready to serve.
• To keep the vodka icy cold at a picnic, start at home by placing the bottle in a larger container, such as a milk carton. Fill the container with water and freeze. When ready to set out, remove the carton and wrap the icy block of vodka in a towel.

Steps:

• Place peppers in a large jar with a lid; add vodka. Cover and let stand at room temperature at least 3 days and up to 1 month. Strain before using.