Raspberry Infused Vodka

Back in my bar hopping days one of my favorite bars was Catch 22 in downtown Tuscaloosa.  They make their own infused vodkas.  The wall behind the bar was covered in large jars filled with vodka that had been infused with anything from sweet fruits to olives.  The drinks tasted great, but the method for infusing vodka is so simple you can easily do it at home.  This weekend I had a little free time and I figured I could get a jump start on spring cocktails and make a batch of raspberry vodka.

Raspberry Infused Vodka

You need:
1 750 ml bottle of vodka
2 pints of fresh raspberries
1 large glass jar

The method is so simple all you do is put the raspberries in the jar and pour the vodka over them.  Then seal the jar and place in a cool dark place for two weeks.  Then strain the the vodka through a coffee filter and discard the berries. 

Here are a few tips I have learned after doing this a few times:

• You don't have to use the most expensive vodka, but you don't want to use a low quality one.
• Be sure the jar you use seals very tightly.
• If the berries start to turn mushy remove them.
• The berries might turn gray...This is normal.

In two weeks when the vodka is ready I will share with you some great cocktails.  Hopefully it will be warm enough for us to have our cocktails out on the deck.