Vodka became the liquor of choice for many bars and bar customers in the early nineties, and only gained popularity as producers of vodka began selling different flavors. Nowadays, it is impossible to walk into a bar and not be confronted with literally dozens of different flavored vodkas. Making your own infused flavored vodka is easy, especially with a fruit as versatile as pear.
Instructions
1. Choose the right kind of vodka. Since the main event of this drink is ultimately the vodka itself, spare no expense with the vodka you choose. To start with, it must be an unflavored spirit. Beyond that, however, there are many factors to consider. Triple- or quadruple-filtered vodkas are best because they have fewer impurities, and the flavor of the pear will show through that much more. Organic vodkas are excellent as well. Be sure to taste the vodka you intend to use by itself before you decide to use it for the pear infusion.
2. Pick the right kind of pear for your vodka. There are many different types of pears that are available in the supermarket today. The best, most widely available pear to use for a vodka infusion is the Bosc. While Bartlett pears are available just as widely, the Bosc pear has a higher sugar content and has a more distinct aroma. Both of these factors will ensure that the pears will infuse their flavors and aromas into the vodka more effectively. Also effective, but harder to find, are Anjou pears. Buy organic and locally grown pears, if you can. The fruit will be fresher, and therefore the infusion will be more intense.
3. Prep the vodka and pears. Wash the pears thoroughly with water and a coarse sponge or pot scrubber. Dry them completely and place in the jar. Empty both bottles of vodka into the jar and seal it tightly. Put the jar in a dark, cool place.
4. Age the vodka and let the fruit infuse. A fruit infusion takes a good deal of time in order for the flavors to become intense. Let the vodka and pear mixture age for at least a month. The alcohol will preserve the fruit, so there is no worry of anything going bad. Once you begin serving the vodka, you can keep the fruit in the vodka until you finish the rest of the jar full of vodka. Use it in cocktails like a cosmopolitan or a sea breeze, and taste the unique difference.
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