An infusion of coffee, vodka and a simple syrup becomes an excellent drink to be enjoyed straight or with a soda. It also proves to be a good base for coffee-flavored cocktails like the Staten Island Martini.
Ingrediants
Portions:
various
- 475 ml of water
- 300 g of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 300 g of freshly ground espresso beans
- 750 ml of vodka
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Making the Syrup
This simple syrup allows you to reduce the bitter taste of coffee vodka. Vanilla also helps soften the flavor.
Step 1. In a medium-sized saucepan, boil the water
Step 2. Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the sugar
Stir until completely dissolved.
Step 3. Add the vanilla extract and boil for another 3-5 minutes
This way the syrup thickens.
Step 4. Set the saucepan aside and wait for the syrup to cool
It should turn golden brown like honey.
Step 5. Pour it into a sterilized half liter glass jar
Step 6. Keep it in the refrigerator for as long as you need it
Part 2 of 4: Making the Vodka
Finding the right balance between vodka, coffee and syrup is the key to a good drink. Be sure to keep the syrup in the refrigerator as you will still need it during the brewing process.
Step 1. Insert the funnel into a one-liter sterilized glass bottle
Pour the ground coffee beans inside. Remember that the bottle must have been sterilized in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
Step 2. Pour the vodka into the bottle with the help of the funnel
Submerge the coffee.
Step 3. Close the bottle and shake it gently to mix the ingredients
Step 4. Open the cap, put the funnel back on and pour in the sugar syrup until the bottle is completely filled
You will likely use 1/3 or half of the syrup you made. Save what is left over for future use.
Step 5. Close the bottle cap and shake it again until a light foam forms, this could be either brown or white
Step 6. Wait for the foam to settle and then open the bottle again for a 'refill' of syrup
Part 3 of 4: Flavor the Vodka
Let the vodka and coffee rest in a cool, dry place. During this time the coffee will release its aroma.
Step 1. Put the bottle with the coffee, vodka and syrup in a cool dark place
Wait five days.
Step 2. Check the bottle every day to see if air has formed on the top
If that happens, add more syrup.
Step 3. After 5 days, taste the infusion
If the coffee flavor is intense enough for your taste, you can proceed to the next step. If not, wait a couple more days.
Part 4 of 4: Strain the Vodka
Filtration through a French coffee maker allows you to remove all the coffee grounds. You will need to do it twice. It is a long process that requires a little elbow grease. When done, the vodka will be dark brown in color.
Step 1. Pour the vodka into a French coffee maker
Try to pour in as many coffee grounds as possible.
Step 2. Clean the bottle you used making sure to get rid of all debris
Step 3. Put a funnel in the bottle and line it inside with a conical coffee filter
Step 4. Lower the coffee pot plunger about ¼ of its length
Pour the liquid into the bottle through the funnel and filter.
Step 5. Repeat the process until all the grounds in the pot appear dry
Step 6. Clean the coffee pot and bring all the vodka back into it so you can proceed to the second filtration
Remember to carefully clean the coffee maker so that there are no residues. Also replace the filter inside the funnel.
Step 7. Taste the final product and add more syrup if desired
Store the vodka in the refrigerator.
Advice
- You can enjoy this vodka on ice or mixed with a glass of soda. It is also an excellent base for coffee cocktails such as the Staten Island Martini.
- If you want to add chocolate, put 50 g of cocoa pieces in the infusion.
- For best results, choose medium to high quality vodka.
