A bottle of vodka is the basis for any number of cocktails that can be made using local, seasonal fresh ingredients.
Blueberry Vodka
Whether you like your vodka straight or you’ve got a bottle of one of the fabulous flavoured vodkas available, a long, cooling drink is just a minute away with the addition of some summer fruits and flavours.
Ingredients
- 1 punnet blueberries (put a few in water and freeze as ice cubes)
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 75g soft brown sugar
- 700ml vodka
- Tonic water, blueberry ice cubes and thyme, to serve
Method
Tip the blueberries, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and sugar into a large sterilised jar. Pour in the vodka, seal jar and swirl to dissolve the sugar. Store in a cool, dark place, turning the jar every day for a week. When ready, strain the vodka through a fine sieve or kitchen towel and decant into a bottle. The vodka will keep its colour for months. Serve with blueberry ice cubes, tonic water and a sprig of rubbed fresh thyme.
Easy citrus spritzers
Vodka lends itself beautifully to citrus flavours; try muddling lime, lemon or orange/mandarin with your favourite vodka before straining and topping with your choice of mixer. If you’ve never tried an Orange Moscow Mule, now’s your chance; simply combine your vodka with orange juice, ginger beer and a squeeze of lime. Delicious!
