It’s been a boozy summer. I’ve been tipsy. I’ve been drunk. My decisions? Meh, some have been questionable this summer.
It’s been boozy all up in this piece.
Every time I think of firing up my stove or oven I’m like, um… Yea… Let’s have a drink!
It’s a distraction, really. Soon it will be fall and M.O.B. will be fulla hearty dishes.
Today, though…
This summer…
We drink.
I infused vodka with blueberries and simple syrup a few days ago. Actually, I infused some last month and it was hella popular with my crew, so I did again.
I sent some to my Leftovers club partner, Lisa from Healthy Nibbles and Bits. You should check out her blog. It’s so colorful and healthy. I want to make ALL her dishes, especially these Baked Cajun Chips.
Have you heard of The Leftovers Club?
It’s awesome. You’re paired up with someone each month and you send each other your leftovers. It’s cool. You should check it out and join, ’cause I love getting stuff in the mail. Maybe I’ll get stuff in the mail from you.
Wouldn’t that be fun?
Blueberry infused vodka. I really hope my partner digs getting that jammy in the mail. It’s one of those vodkas that just yells “SUMMER!”, like brand new flava in ya ear.
Do you remember that song by Craig Mack?
Whatever happened to that cat?
Oh, yea…. Notorious B.I.G. BURST on the scene.
That man rode up on the rap scene like a freight train, eclipsed Craig Mack and changed our situations.
Good times…
Anyway, a bit of blueberry simple syrup goes into this infused situation for a more concentrated blueberry-licious flavor. A 32 oz mason jar, a pint of blueberries, the syrup, and vodka is all you’ll evah need. It doesn’t have to be expensive vodka. Just use what you have on hand.
I like to mash the blueberries before adding vodka. I dunno, I just like the blue right away. Let it hang in a dark place for a few days. The longer it sits, the darker the color and the deeper the flavor. Don’t forget to shake that jammy once a day.
Then… Cocktails.
And some Craig Mack.
Kickin’
that
new
flava’
in
ya ear.
[purerecipe]
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
For the blueberry infused vodka
- 1/2 cup blueberry simple syrup
- 1 pint of blueberries
- Vodka
Instructions
Make the simple syrup:
- Combine the blueberries, water, and sugar in a small pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and the blueberries have burst and softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the mixture, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or save them for another use, such as an ice cream topping. Transfer the simple syrup to a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Simple syrup will keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. Makes a little over half a cup of simple syrup.
Infuse your vodka:
- To a 32 ounce mason jar add 1/2 cup of blueberry simple syrup and blueberries. Mash the blueberries with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. You don't have to mash all the berries, just a good amount to release their juices. If you're left with whole berries, that's fine. Add vodka until the top of the mason jar is almost reached. Seal with a tight fitting lid, give it a shake, and store in a dark place. Shake once a day and allow to infuse anywhere from 3 days and up to 2 weeks. The longer it infuses, the darker and more concentrated your vodka will be.
- After the infusion period, strain blueberries from the vodka into a measuring cup, pressing on the solids to extract as much booze as possible. Discard the blueberries. Transfer strained vodka back into the mason jar and store either in the fridge or at room temperature until ready to use.
- Or until I develop a drink to use that jammy.