Thursday, June 14, 2007

Combined infusion #2: Vanilla-Caramel

This week, we decided to create a dual-flavor vodka infusion, using two of our most popular flavors: vanilla and caramel. This will be our second combined infusion, the first being last month's strawberry-vanilla vodka. (It didn't occur to us until afterwards that both involved vanilla; we will try to be more creative in future endeavors.)

The previous combination had the advantage that both ingredients took a similar amount of time to infuse, simplifying the process in regards to timing. This one is different: while we generally infuse vanilla for four or five days, caramel can dissolve within a day if shaken often. Therefore, we had to make a decision. Should we add both ingredients at once, shake it consistently and remove the vanilla bean at the end? Or, alternatively, should we infuse the vanilla first, and then add the caramel after the bean is removed?

We opted to use the second method; therefore, this is a two-stage experiment. This post will cover the beginning of the vanilla infusion; in a few days, we will remove the bean and add the caramel.

As a result, there's not much new to report today in regards to methodology. We are starting this experiment exactly the same way as a regular vanilla vodka infusion, by cutting the bean in half lengthwise and allowing it to infuse for 4-5 days.



Old news, perhaps, but at least you get to see one of our brand-new cutting boards! How very exciting!!

Phase II will be posted in a few days.

3 comments:

Jasra/Lisa said...

Ooh, that sounds like it should be wonderful!

Anonymous said...

If the caramel dissolves fully, there should be no problem- it seems like there is nothing to be lost in adding the caramel and vanilla at the same time. As a matter of fact, the sugar may even help the infusion set.

Anonymous said...

I hope this works out well. Personally I would have created 2 separate infusions, then mixed the resulting vodkas to match the tastes rather than hoping the ingredients infuse at the desired speed. Of course, you could always remove one of the ingredients and leave the other to infuse longer...