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Recipe Detail Page
Winter Extract
Holiday 2023
This aromatic extract embodies winter flavours, taking vanilla extract and punching it up with the addition of fragrant cinnamon, orange, nutmeg and rosemary. It’s easy to make, and flavours can be tweaked to suit whatever the intended use, whether that’s in a more savoury cocktail or a sweet drink (as you would with a bitter) or dessert (instead of vanilla extract).
Makes 1 cup (250 mL)
2 vanilla bean pods, cut in half and split
1 cinnamon stick, 4 inches (10 cm) long
1/2 whole nutmeg
1/2 tbsp (7 mL) dried rosemary
1 piece orange peel with white pith removed,
3 inches (8 cm) long
1 cup (250 mL) vodka
1. In a 1-cup (250-mL) sterilized glass jar with an airtight lid, add vanilla beans, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, rosemary and orange peel. Pour vodka into the jar, ensuring it covers all the other ingredients, and seal the jar.
2. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry for at least 4 to 6 weeks and up to 6 months, giving it a gentle shake every few days.
3. Taste after 4 weeks, and every week thereafter. When desired aroma and flavour are reached, strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Transfer strained liquid into clean decorative gifting jars.
Makes 1 cup (250 mL)
GIFTING TIP Personalize mini glass jars with your own custom labels. For a more rustic look, depending on your choice of ingredients, insert some of the strained-out whole spices into the jars, such as a vanilla bean segment. Create gift tags that instruct to add 1/2 tsp (2 mL) of the extract to drinks like seasonal vodka Highballs or winter sangria, to make them taste even cozier.
