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    Home » Recipes » Russian Drinks

    Pepper Vodka

    Author: Peter Kolesnichenko · Published: Jun 19, 2022 · Modified: Aug 16, 2022

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    Homemade Pepper Vodka is easy to make, perfect for your next cocktail or for medicinal reasons. Spicy Peppers have been infused in vodka for centuries in Eastern Europe. Once you start infusing vodkas, you won't stop!

    bottle of pepper infused vodka with shot glass
    pepper vodka ingredients
    pouring vodka in a jar

    What's Pepper Vodka?

    Vodka infused with pepper and honey is called Pertsovka (перцовка) in Russian. It has a hot, burning flavor. Enjoyed by Russians and Eastern Europeans, it warms you from the inside out. It can be bought in stores, but homemade is best. The famous Stolichnaya Pertsovka made in Soviet Union was very popular, but it's been discontinued.

    What Type of Vodka To Use When Infusing Vodka?

    Well, I'm gonna start by saying use real Eastern European Vodka! At a minimum, buy vodka made with wheat or potatoes. Don't use vodkas made from corn, rice or other non-traditional ingredients. The flavor isn't the same. It doesn't have to be a very expensive vodka, buy the best distilled vodka you can afford.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    • Vodka - wheat, grain or potato vodka
    • Red Chili Peppers - Cayenne Pepper or Birds Eye are great, keep it spicy
    • Black Peppercorns - whole peppercorns, gently crushed
    • Whole Cloves - adds to the unique flavor
    • Honey - adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice
    • Cheesecloth - to strain and remove sediment
    pouring honey in jar
    infusing peppers in vodka

    Is Pepper Vodka Medicinal?

    Technically, Pepper Vodka is an alcoholic tincture or a Nastoyka. It's plant/fruit extract soaked in alcohol for its medicinal properties. People believe in the health benefits that tinctures provide, and Pepper Vodka is not immune. Russians believe this homeopathic remedy can help;

    • to break a fever
    • help fight a cold
    • strengthens immune system
    • helps with digestion
    • clears your sinuses
    • anti-microbial

    How to Make Pepper Vodka

    1. Wash the chili peppers and make a small incision down the length of the pepper, piercing the skin.
    2. Place crushed peppercorns, cloves, chili peppers and honey into a large mouth glass jar.
    3. Add the vodka, and stir until the honey is dissolved. Close jar and keep at room temperature for 7 days. Every day, mix the Pepper Vodka by giving it a shake.
    4. After 7 days, Taste. If you like a stronger flavor, let it infuse for a few more days.
    5. Strain the infused vodka through a cheesecloth. Serve chilled. Enjoy in moderation.
    straining pepper vodka
    bottle of pepper infused vodka with glass tomato juice

    How to Use Pepper Vodka

    • enjoy it ice cold
    • add to your Bloody Mary to kick it up a notch
    • a spicy twist on a Screwdriver
    • Canadians can make a Caesar with it
    • as a homeopathic remedy

    Recipe Variations

    There are so many ways to make Pertsovka Pepper Vodka, and people passionately defend each ingredient. Try these popular additions to personalize your recipe.

    • Garlic Cloves - especially great for boosting immune system
    • Fresh Ginger - for flavor and medicinal properties
    • Few Strands of Lemon Zest - for a slight citrus flavor
    • Pinch of Cinnamon - just a bit to complement to red peppers
    • Ground Paprika - adds a richer red color and flavor
    bottle of pepper infused vodka with shot glass

    Infused Vodka Recipes

    • Horseradish Vodka (Hrenovuha)
    • Kumquat Infused Vodka
    • Limoncello - Lemon Vodka Liqueur
    • Blueberry Vodka

    Homemade Vodka Infusions are becoming very popular, although they aren't a new idea at all. Enjoyed around the world, you'll be hooked once you know how easy they are to make. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

    bottle of pepper infused vodka with glass tomato juice

    Pepper Vodka

    Homemade Pepper Vodka is easy to make, perfect for your next cocktail or medicinal reasons. A spicy infused liquor have been enjoyed for centuries.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Infusing: 7 days
    Total Time: 7 days 5 minutes
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Eastern European, Russian, Ukrainian
    Keyword: Pepper Vodka, Pertsovka
    Servings: 16 shots

    Equipment

    • Cheesecloth
    • large mouth glass jar

    Ingredients

    • 750 ml Vodka
    • 2 red Chili Peppers
    • 8 whole black peppercorns crushed with a knife
    • 3 whole cloves
    • 2 tablespoons honey

    Instructions

    • Wash the chili peppers and make an small incision down the length of the pepper, piercing the skin.
    • Place crushed peppercorns, cloves, chili peppers and honey into a large mouth glass jar.
    • Add the vodka, and stir until the honey is dissolved. Close jar and keep at room temperature for 7-10 days. Every day, mix the Pepper Vodka by giving it a shake.
    • After 7 days, Taste. If you like a stronger flavor, let it infuse for a few more days.
    • Strain the infused vodka through a cheesecloth. Serve chilled. Enjoy in moderation.

    Video

    Tried this recipe?Mention @petersfoodadventures or tag #petersfoodadventures!

    ©PetersFoodAdventures.com

    pepper infused vodka pinterst pin
    pepper vodka with tomato juice
    pepper vodka with tomato juice

    More Russian Drinks

    • Blueberry Vodka
    • German Mulled Wine - Gluhwein
    • Horseradish Vodka (Hrenovuha)
    • Homemade Kombucha - Mushroom Tea

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    Peter's Food Adventures - where you'll find Russian recipes, Slavic and International favorites with some fun travel and cooking videos. A Russian Food Blogger.

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