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Lavender Liqueur

Source of Recipe

"The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook" by America's Test Kitchen


Recipe Introduction

"Used in a variety of different cocktails, a homemade floral liqueur (or a selection of a few) is just the thing to give to the aspiring home bartenders in your life. Dried flowers are easy to work with, they are readily available online and in specialty shops, and they infuse quickly into a spirit. Since elderflower liqueur is somewhat ubiquitous, we decided to focus on lesser-used blossoms. Lavender liqueur led the pack, and we also loved chamomile, jasmine, and rose. We found that in each case, a single strip of lemon zest balanced the floral fragrances with just a hint of fresh citrus aroma. Lavender liqueur can be used as a substitute for cr�me de violette. Be sure to use food-grade dried flowers (available online or in specialty spice shops) to make these liqueurs; other types likely have been sprayed with pesticides or treated with chemicals. You will need a pint-size glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for this recipe."

List of Ingredients

◦ 1 tablespoon (� ounce) dried lavender flowers
◦ 1 (3-inch) strip lemon zest
◦ 14 ounces vodka
◦ 2 ounces Simple Syrup (recipe follows)


Recipe

Place flowers, lemon zest, and vodka in pint-size glass jar.
Cover tightly and shake to combine. Store jar in cool, dark place for 2 days, shaking mixture occasionally.

Set fine-mesh strainer in medium bowl and line with triple layer of cheesecloth. Strain vodka mixture through prepared strainer, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Return infused vodka to clean jar and add simple syrup. Cover and gently shake to combine. (Liqueur can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Shake gently before using.)

Makes about 16 ounces





❧ Simple Syrup:

◦ � cup sugar
◦ 5 ounces warm tap water

Whisk sugar and warm water together in bowl until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely, about 10 minutes, before transferring to airtight container. (Syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month. Shake well before using.)

Makes about 8 ounces





❧ Variations:

� Chamomile Liqueur:
Substitute dried chamomile flowers for lavender.

� Jasmine Liqueur:
Substitute dried jasmine flowers for lavender.

� Rose liqueur:
Substitute dried rose petals for lavender.