Herbal Extracts
Shake a cocktail & catch a buzz :) Here's whats you’ll learn to make:
Vanilla Vodka
Vanilla Extract
Black Tea Syrup
P.S. You can learn how to make cocktail’s like this one LIVE with me in my virtual Herbal Cocktail Classes. Sign up for the next class below.
If you like these beautiful glass cocktail straws, use my discount code: VICTORIAGEHLMEY to get 10% off your order. Check out the Simply Straws website here.
The Ingredients
Makes up to 4 drinks (buy organic/local where you can)
1 pint fresh blackberries*
5 vanilla beans* (for extract & infused vodka - see note below)
3 lemons
honey (or sweetener of your choice)
Vodka - my favorites: Green Bar, Prairie Organic, Reyka & Ocean Organic
ice
P.S. This cocktail also works really well with bourbon. If you choose that route, I recommend Koval or Wigle.
*A note on ripe blackberries - Blackberries have the tendency to go from very ripe to rotten really quickly. Finding that sweet spot can be difficult, so I recommend using them within 24-48 hours. The flip side is that using blackberries so quickly will mean that they have more acidity and possibly underdeveloped sweetness compared to the way a super fragile overripe blackberry tastes. To compensate, this recipe calls for lemons - so we can adjust the acid based on how ripe the blackberries are.
*A note on vanilla beans - Our vanilla infused vodka recipe calls for only 2 vanilla beans. So if you don't want to invest in making the extract, you don't have to. I think it's a great idea because it will be ready for the holidays :) The cost is anywhere between $15-$35 for the 5 vanilla beans BUT you will get the money back by making your own extracts and infused liquors. Here are two sources to buy them.Amazon - I really prefer NOT to purchase from Amazon, but I understand for the sake of people on a budget, and for getting your ingredients on time.
Starwest Botanicals - Organic supplier, shipping times may vary.
Kitchen Tools
Blender
Cutting board + knife
Measuring cup
Measuring spoon
Citrus juicer (optional)
1 glass jar or airtight container for storing vanilla extract
Cocktail jigger (optional)
Suggested serving glass: highball, Collins, or pint glass
Important Information: There are LOTS of things to know about vanilla when picking your beans for extract. Check out the slide show below for all the details, + some info about the medicinal properties of tea and blackberry.
Black Tea Syrup
Makes up to 1 cup syrup (roughly 10 drinks)
1 cup water
1 cup honey or sugar
1 tablespoon tea leaves (or 4 tea bags)
Directions
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Turn heat off and add in your tea bags or loose leaf to infuse for about 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaves and return saucepan to stove to bring to a low heat. Stir the honey or sugar into the tea until is has completely dissolved.
Remove from heat. Let stand at room temperature until cool before refrigerating.
If you have extra after making your cocktails, use it to top pancakes, waffles or french toast, drizzle over ice cream or yogurt.
Vanilla Vodka
Makes as many drinks as you want!
1 liter vodka (roughly 4 cups)
2 vanilla beans
You can choose how much you want to make:
1 cup vodka + 1/2 vanilla bean = 4 drinks
2 cups vodka + 1 vanilla bean = 8 drinks
3 cups vodka + 1.5 vanilla beans = 12 drinks
4 cups vodka + 2 vanilla beans = 16 drinks
*2 oz vodka in 1 drink
Directions
For a quick version: pour vodka into your blender and add the vanilla beans. Blend on high, strain, and serve immediately. Keep the vanilla bean parts you strained to make an extract (recipe below).
For a proper infusion with more flavor: pour vodka into your blender and add the vanilla beans. Blend on high and then funnel back into your vodka bottle. Close and let infuse 1-2 weeks* in a cool dark place. Gently shake every other day. Depending on your preference, the vodka will be ready in as little as 7-10 days. The longer you let the vanilla sit, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be. Strain when you've reached your desired flavor and store in a cool dark place.
Vanilla Extract
Makes as much as you want!
1 cup vodka
6 vanilla beans
You can choose how much you want to make:
1 cup vodka + 6 vanilla beans = 1 cup extract
3/4 cups vodka + 4.5 vanilla beans = 3/4 cup extract
1/2 cups vodka + 3 vanilla beans = 1/2 cup extract
1/4 cups vodka + 1.5 vanilla beans = 1/4 cup extract
Directions
Pour vodka into your blender and add the vanilla beans. Blend on high and then funnel into an airtight bottle or jar. Close and let infuse in a cool dark place, shaking occasionally for the first few weeks.
The extract can be used in as little as 8 weeks, but it won't have reached optimal potency. The extract gets better with age. For far better results use after 6 months and for optimal results wait 12 months.
If you like these beautiful glass cocktail straws, use my discount code: VICTORIAGEHLMEY to get 10% off your order. Check out the Simply Straws website here.
Cocktail Recipe
Makes 2 drinks
6 fresh blackberries*
4 oz vanilla vodka
1.5 oz black tea syrup
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz water
Directions
You know I like to keep it simple...just add all your ingredients into a blender. Blend on high for 10 seconds.
Strain into your favorite glass with ice. Finish with a slice of lemon and a few fresh blackberries. Enjoy!