Vodka, known for its almost neutral flavor, is the ideal base for garlic infusion. The tradition of infusing vodka with various ingredients such as herbs, vegetables, and botanicals goes back centuries in Russia and Poland. In particular, Russian bison grass vodka is celebrated among mixologists for its unique vegetal taste and potential health benefits. While commercially available Flavored vodkas are common, creating your garlic-infused version can be a delightful project. Garlic enthusiasts will appreciate using one whole head of garlic per liter of vodka and can choose from two effective infusion methods.

For optimal results, start with a high-quality premium vodka. One approach involves peeling the garlic cloves, lightly crushing them, and then inserting them into a vodka bottle. After sealing and shaking the bottle, store it in a dark, cool space. Shake it daily for at least two days. Test the flavor after two days and extend the infusion for more robust garlic flavor if needed. Finally, strain the vodka using a cheesecloth and remove all garlic solids before pouring the vodka back into its bottle.

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An alternative method involves placing vodka and sliced garlic in a Mason jar, allowing them to sit for 24 hours. Strain the mixture with a coffee filter to remove the solids then taste and adjust the infusion time as necessary for a stronger flavor. Toasting the garlic beforehand can mitigate its intensity, giving a milder and sweeter result. Once proficient with garlic, experimenting with other ingredients like basil, ginger, rosemary, or even habanero could provide exciting new flavors.

Now that you’ve made your “vampire defense” vodka, what are the best cocktails for it? Savory is probably the way to go. The garlic-infused vodka would definitely give a kick to a classic Bloody Mary and its Canadian “cousin,” a Bloody Caesar. Substituting the plain vodka for garlic vodka would also make the James Bond-inspired Vesper Martini a killer. Garlic is often used in dill pickles, so it seems a natural extension to make a Pickle Martini with garlic vodka. The Dirty Martini can be made with either gin or vodka, and pairing the cocktail’s olive juice with garlic vodka would be delicious.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.