Pepper Vodka

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!

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

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.

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

Infused Vodka Recipes

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

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