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Pdfin the freezer.
BIRCH-BUD VODKA
Настойка из берёзовых почек
Makes 1(750 ml) bottle
1 (750-ml) bottle high-quality vodka
Scant ¾ cup birch buds
1 tablespoon mild honey
Birch trees and vodka! What could be more Russian? Here the two come together in a single tasty shot. This infusion has a lovely herbal flavor that's unexpected and just shy of bitter. It's the perfect springtime tonic, since you have to pick the buds before they unfurl into leaves. Gathering them is admittedly laborious, but it's a nice excuse to spend an early spring day outdoors. And Russians swear by the healthful properties of birch buds, which they believe cleanse the blood and counteract inflammation.
Transfer the vodka to a wide-mouth 1-quart jar, reserving the original bottle.
Muddle the birch buds with the honey in a mortar with a pestle and let sit for 30 minutes, then add to the vodka and stir well. Close the lid and allow the vodka to infuse in a cool, dark place for 1 week, turning the jar occasionally to keep the ingredients well mixed. Strain the birch buds and transfer the vodka by means of a funnel into the reserved bottle. Chill well before serving. The vodka will keep indefinitely in the freezer.
DRINKS, PRESERVES, AND SAUCES
41
Russian
Beyond the north wind by Dara Goldstein