How to Infuse Vodka With Saffron

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice. This honey-smelling spice is very elegant and great to infuse into vodka as a treat. Spare a little saffron from your next recipe to transform your adult beverage from tasteless to savory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Saffron
• Vodka
• Coffee filter
• Resealable glass container
• 1 tbsp. slivered orange peel

1. Purchase saffron for your vodka infusion. Try to purchase saffron from a specialty store, where the spice will be fresher. For more tips on how to buy the best saffron, visit The Epicentre website (see Resources below).
2. Choose your vodka. Saffron-infused vodka can taste medicinal if the ingredients are in the wrong quantities, but the same effect can be achieved if you use a low-quality vodka, such as one stored in a plastic bottle. Consider purchasing a 750-ml bottle of Grey Goose or another fine vodka.
3. Measure out your saffron and put it into the infusion container with the vodka. A standard-size bottle only requires a small pinch of the whole threads. If you use too much, it will alter the taste of your infusion negatively. Saffron has a different flavor in an infusion than in cooking, so don't base your amount on what you use in dish preparation.
4. Stir the mixture regularly for 2 to 3 days and store it in a warm, dry place. After the first 2 days, sample the vodka to get an idea of how much longer it needs to infuse properly. Do not allow the vodka to infuse for more than 1 week.
5. Strain your saffron-infused vodka through a coffee filter. Serve on ice or in a mixed drink. If you want, save some of your infused vodka and infuse it again with 1 tbsp. slivered orange peel for a fruitier taste.

Tips & Warnings

• You will be able to tell if the saffron has infused by looking at the threads. They will turn white as they infuse their flavor into the vodka.
• Saffron complements fish dishes when cooked. Serve your infused vodka with a less-flavorful fish for a great taste combination.
• Don't make a saffron-infused vodka your first infusion. Saffron's cost can make you wary of putting much in your vodka, but if you don't follow the recipe exactly, your vodka won't have the optimum taste.
• Avoid buying rye- or potato-based vodkas for this infusion. They tend to overwhelm the infusion's color and taste.