Vanilla-Tangerine Infused Vodka
 
 
Ingredients
  • 1 750 mL bottle of good vodka (don't skimp, but don't get crazy - anywhere in the few middle shelves will do. I personally have used Three Olives, Svedka, and Finlandia with good success).
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 tangerines
Instructions
  1. Split the vanilla bean in half and place it in a glass jar with a lid. Pour in vodka and put in a cool, dark place - I just put it in the refrigerator, but a cabinet or a dark corner is fine too. Let sit for three days, shaking or stirring gently once a day.
  2. On the third day, zest the tangerines, using either a microplane zester or a vegetable peeler - you want about two tablespoons of zest. Be sure to avoid any pith (the bitter, white part of the rind will absolutely destroy your infusion). Add the zest to the jar with the vodka and vanilla bean and stir to submerge.
  3. Let sit in a cool, dark place for another two or three days, shaking or stirring gently once a day. Feel free to taste daily to see how it's progressing, or just because it's fun.
  4. After you have tasted and are happy with the flavor, and have finished weaving around your kitchen and telling your friends how much you love them, place a coffee filter over the mouth of an empty jar and secure with a rubber band. Pour infused vodka very slowly through the filter to remove all solids.
  5. Use a funnel to pour into small flasks (I use these) to give as gifts. Or serve at parties. Or just enjoy it yourself. I won't judge.
  6. Mixes well with: cranberry juice, flavored seltzer, tonic, lemon-lime soda, orange juice. Also good chilled straight up or with a bit of simple syrup.
Recipe by Baked In at https://www.baked-in.com/2012/01/08/vanilla-tangerine-vodka/