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I really find it hard to believe that I actually kept this news quiet for so long. Since July of this year, I’ve debated adding a little teaser to one of my cocktail articles or even sending out a quick tweet. Secrets, surprises and special news are all things that I can rarely keep to myself. So I am finally happy to announce my recent book project. Actually… my first book project!! The Home Distiller’s Handbook is 140+ page collection of whisky and bourbon blends, infused spirits and cordials. I contributed all of the photography to the cookbook. Completed over the summer, this project was so much fun. For those of you who know me well, you’re probably thinking that this project was definitely a perfect fit. Continue reading for a recipe from the book and giveaway information.
Whether you are a seasoned infusologist (I just made that up) or you are tackling your first project, The Home Distiller’s Handbook has a recipe for you. Some of the basics include Jalapeno Pepper Vodka, Cherry Whisky and Cucumber Gin. Looking for something more advanced? Try the Pistachio Liqueur, Kahlua Creme, Bangkok or Spiced Pumpkin Vodka. Available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, The Home Distiller’s Handbook would be a perfect gift for this Holiday season. If you are ambitious, you could even fill a gift basket with a fancy jar, the handbook, a bottle of alcohol and some ingredients for an infusion.
Cider Mill Press has graciously given me 5 copies of The Home Distiller’s Handbook to giveaway to Kitchen Konfidence readers! To enter you can do one or all of the following:
1. Leave me a comment below sharing your favorite flavored alcohol.
2. Like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook. [leave a separate comment below for entry]
3. Subscribe to the Kitchen Konfidence recipe digest. [leave a separate comment below for entry]
Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced December 11, 2011. For US residents only. Now… on to the recipe!
Grapefruit Infused Rum
Ingredients
- 750 ml white rum
- 1 large pink grapefruit
Instructions
- Slice grapefruit and remove the pith and peel. Place sliced grapefruit into an infusion jar. Add rum then seal the jar.
- Let infuse for 1 to 2 weeks in a cool, dark spot, tasting and shaking regularly.
- Strain the rum into a clean bottle and cap. Discard solids.
Notes
7
I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Rachel says
I love a hint of elderflower liquer in a gin cocktail.
Rachel says
I like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook.
Rachel says
I’m subscribed. Congrats on the book!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Rachel!
Thom says
You got me into egg whites in my cocktails. Does that count?
Brandon Matzek says
Yes, it does count 🙂
Rhonda Wehrenberg says
Congrats on the book!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Rhonda!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
WOW!! Look at this!! My mind is now running thorugh a ton of rum flavors that I can make 🙂
Carrie says
Vodka infused with fresh ginger and green cardamom pods!
thecaitd says
My boyfriend makes a rose petal-infused vodka that is so subtle and great in vodka tonics with a twist of grapefruit. For now, that’s my favorite.
Brandon Matzek says
Lucky you! I’ve never had rose infused vodka, but it sounds amazing. I love rose anything.
Rick T says
Meyer lemon vodka is always great!
katie says
awesome! I’m now a facebook fan!
Bryan says
Lemongrass and fresh ginger with vodka. Takes a while for the infusion to mature but over ice with a splash of seltzer and just enough simple syrup to take the edge off it’s divine, especially when paired with a steamy summer day!
Brandon Matzek says
Sounds delicious. The Bangkok infusion mentioned above has similar flavors.
Jeanne says
Wow! So inspiring. I really want to try the spiced pumpkin vodka, I’m sure that will be my new favorite flavored alcohol.
Kimberly says
Congrats! And I am so excited for this I already ordered it from Amazon for my boyfriend! Thanks for a gift he will LOVE!
Brandon Matzek says
Awesome!!! Thanks Kimberly 🙂
Hugh says
I’m a big fan of habanero-infused tequila. It’s amazing how quickly it infuses!
BigFatBaker says
That is so exciting, congrats! I am totally going to pick up a copy (if I don’t win!). I love the flavors you create and would love a book of them! I think one of my favorites I’ve seen around and would like to try soon is a cranberry infusion.
As for my favorite flavored alcohol… is probably a passion fruit blood orange one that I bought at the store. It’s bright pink and gorgeous! I also really like the Firefly sweet tea…SO GOOD with ice cold lemonade.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks so much :)! Each year I make a cranberry orange infused vodka. The recipe is not featured in this book, but it is very delicious.
Never had blood orange vodka, but that sounds great. Love blood oranges.
Shannon Young says
I love citrus vodkas… so refreshing!
BigFatBaker says
I liked you on facebook 🙂
texanas kitchen says
I LOVE Pink Grapefruit in ANYTHING! My sister has a tree that produces the most delicious ruby reds….We shall try this, post haste!
Brandon Matzek says
So jealous of your citrus tree 🙂
Shreyas says
A friend of mine makes a great rooibos vodka that’s awesome on the rocks with a lemon twist.
Brandon Matzek says
That sounds super good! I love Rooibos tea (especially in a tea latte). There is a recipe for Earl Grey Gin in the handbook. Tea infusions are great for layering into cocktails or (like you said) enjoying on the rocks.
Amy says
I love the infusions Dogfish Head offers at their brewpub (and attached distillery) in Delaware. My favorite is to combine the chocolate and peanut butter infused vodkas and sip them together!
Brandon Matzek says
Oooo, that sounds interesting.
Steve LeVine says
Already on FB and mailing list and have been enjoying for quite a while now. Favorite infused sprit is probably vanilla rum. I find it soothing and quite flexible from simply mixing with cola to more complex drinks. Would love the book to really start making a nice collection of home infusions for my humble little bar in my apartment.
Thanks.
Brandon Matzek says
You know… I don’t think I’ve ever had vanilla rum. Usually vanilla vodka. I’m sure the vanilla pairs nicely with the flavors of rum. Vanilla Mojito perhaps?!
Margaret says
Congrats on the book! 🙂 Looks delicious, especially as citrus-infused drinks are by far my favorite!
Pat R says
I love orange or lemon infused vodkas…..
Pat R says
I “like” you on FB
megan says
Grapefruit sounds delish! Maybe I will also try bacon for Jeremie. Congrats! Does this count as my entry?
Brandon Matzek says
Yes it does Megan. Thanks :)!
Kal says
You rock! Love the grapefruit – and thanks for the gift idea – perfect!
Jess says
Omg. Is that bacon booze on the cover?! Count me in! 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Hahaha yes! There are a few bacon infusions in the book.
caroline says
I’m already subscribed — does that count?
And I love my friend’s lemon-infused vodka and his vanilla-infused vodka. 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
That does count. Thanks Caroline.
Clint says
jalapeno tequila
Michele P. says
I like Vodka with a hint of lime…
Michele P. says
newsletter subscriber!
Ann P says
Does beer count? My favorite flavored alcohol as of right now must be the 11.11.11 from Stone Brewery. Tastes like cinnamon/chile deliciousness 🙂
Ann P says
I liked Kitchen Konfidence on FB!
Ann P says
I subscribed to Kitchen Konfidence via email feed 🙂 Congrats on the book! I would LOVE to own a copy, and make some time to enjoy some delicious cocktails. BTW, I’ll probably see you tomorrow at the demo’s tomorrow! Best wishes.
Peggy says
Oh how awesome! Congrats on the book =)
Stephanie says
I made a bacon and ghost chile infused vodka that I made into the spicest bloody marys I have ever had. They were AWESOME! I love your posts and you are inspiring. Can’t wait to see the book!
Kate says
I have recently discovered Buddhacello made from citron. Actually, I have a jar infusing in my closet right now awaiting gifting for Christmas. The book looks great, congrats! I was just thinking it may be a good companion to Homemade Soda by Andrew Schloss. Infused boos…homemade soda…yum!
Tanya says
Congrats! Sounds right up my alley. My current fave is the organic Irish Cream I just made.
Tanya says
Already liking you on FB…
Steve H. says
Liked on FB. Fav is Orange Vodka.
Tanya says
And, already a subscriber….
Alison G says
Congratulations! I can’t wait to drool over the photos in the Handbook. It looks simply beautiful.
My favorite flavored alcohol is the Pinapple-Infused Tequila from W. Park Kerr’s “Margarita Cookbook”. I’ve made it twice, and it really wowed all the tequila-drinkers in our crowd.
Doug says
Congrats (already a reader and FB fan)! Like Ann P., I tried a beer that truly surprised me with a strong presence of lavender – I never would have imagined liking it(!). I bet it would work well alone or in combo in a flavored liquor.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
favorite flavored alcohol = currently I’d go with sweet tea vodka. There is a drink at Baja Betty’s in Hillcrest that they make with it…holy delish!
Brandon Matzek says
LOVE Sweet Tea Vodka. I’ve never had the drink at Betty’s though. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip Averie!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
I like you on FB already
Harrison says
i think it would be watermelon vodka or something infused with watermelon 😀
Jacey says
Ooh, I’m intrigued! I’ve not experimented with infusions, but I’ve been wanting to. Since I haven’t, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but my favorite cocktail flavors are definitely either grapefruit or other sour flavors. Congratulations on your book!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Jacey. Citrus infusions are a good place to start – grapefruit, lemon or orange.
Olivia says
I really like pineapple and coconut infused rum. So good. I am very intrigued to try the Earl Gray infused Gin. I made your Earl Gray ice cream..delicious! (I love the complex flavor of the tea). 🙂
Holly says
I like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook! This Book looks awesome!!
Holly says
Sliced up cucumbers in cucumber vodka with a little rose’s sweetened lime juice!
Stephanie says
My best buddy Hugh makes a delightful cherry vanilla bourbon that makes me happy & miss him AND Los Angeles (my hometown) all the more.
Kim Bee says
Hey, don’t enter me as I am a Canuck. But just wanted to stop in to say how much I love the rum. The pictures are stunning.
Elizabeth Jarrard says
what a wonderful concept for a book! and your photos are just lovely! i love infusing my own vodkas and tequilas. My favorites have been: rhubarb. pumpkin, and habanero. I’m trying a pear ginger right now. This grapefruit idea is fantastic though!
Elizabeth Jarrard says
i also “liked” you
Lucy says
I’ve always loved infusing vodka with apple slides and cinnamon but I’ve recently discovered Black Peppercorn infused vodka… so good!
Leon says
juniper gin
Jill Hutmacher says
Looking forward to becoming an infusionoligist! I love mint and lime vodka.
Zoe says
Favorite flavored alcohol: basically anything with citrus. Lime, orange, grapefruit, lemon, you name it! I’m a sucker for the sour! (This recipe looks particularly yummy~!)
starre says
in the winter i like spice infused rums in the summer i like citrus rums in a mojito mmmmm
thanks for the contest such fun
starre says
you are liked on facebook
starre says
and i am a subscriber
Jeff Blackwell says
I like a lemon flavored Grey Goose vodka. That with a side plate of crackers and swiss cheese. Dim the lights and listen to soft jazz. No talking please.
Tina W. says
I made some bacon flavored vodka this year. It’s awesome for Bloody Mary’s.
Tina W. says
I just subscribed to your email feed.
Jillian says
I liked Kitchen Konfidence on facebook!
Amber H. says
I love vanilla vodka.
Mr. Daniel says
Nothing like Warm Apple Pie Liquor for Montana’s chilled holidays! Cant wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Mr. Daniel says
Liked on Facebook.
Megan says
I had the most amazing caramel infused vodka when I was living in France! i have never tasted anything quite like it state side….
ashley amidon says
sweet tea vodka all the way.
maria says
Congrats! Years ago I made a rosemary vodka that I never really liked (read-Figured out how to use.), my interest wanned…. Above recipe and ideas have inspired me to try again. Just found you, can’t wait to look around!
Steven says
I just subscribed to your email recipe digests!
Steven says
I absolutely love Rum infused with Vanilla….or Rum just infused with even more Rum too!!
Book looks super!!
Crystal Lynn says
Liked on Facebook! I like strawberries in my drinks. Recently discovered a strawberry beer at one of my local bars!
Jennifer H. says
I liked your site on Facebook. As for favorite infusions, my mom always put 2 vanilla beans in a bottle of vodka (750ml? Whatever a regular-size bottle is) and that’s all I’ve ever used since then for any recipe that calls for vanilla. Haven’t tried it in a cocktail but I can only imagine it would be fabulous. Might just have to try that tonight!
Kelly says
I love dill infused vodka to make a delicious bloody mary!
Kelly says
I have liked Kitchen Konfidence on facebook. Hope I get a book!
Alyssa Ilves says
The first time I ever had a flavored alcohol was when I was in Russia for the first time (and it’s the only time I’ve been there). I was 18 and I had not had a lot of experience with drinking, but we went to a nice restaurant where they had different kinds of infused vodkas. I chose strawberry. It was divine. I remember the combination of sweet sugary strawberries and shocking stinging vodka mixing in my mouth at the same time. Ever since then, I’ve always wanted to infuse my own alcohol, but I haven’t had the chance to just yet. The recipe looks very simple, and delicious. And who doesn’t love rum?
Sara says
This book looks fantastic–I hadn’t even heard of it either. Well I suppose technically my favorite infused alcohol is vanilla extract for baking, but otherwise I would love to make limoncello!
Sara says
Just followed on facebook
Sara says
And just subscribed!
Mac says
My favorite infusion so far is the oatmeal-honey vodka from Chow.com. Sooooo good for sipping!
Deb Salzer says
I made a black currant brandy with berries I picked this summer. It was so good straight up or mixed with a splash of 7UP. This book looks awesome!
Amy says
My favorite flavored liquor is jalapeno tequila – great on its own 🙂
Kasia says
I love hibiscus-infused tequila in a tart margarita.
Kasia says
I liked Kitchen Konfidence on facebook!
Kasia says
I subscribed to the recipe digest! Thanks for the recipe, I think I’ll try it for some holiday gifts this year…
Eliot says
I had some really tasty pineapple infused vodka last weekend. So, for now, that is my current fave; that being said, however, it is hard to resist this grapefruit concoction!
Kasey says
Congratulations, that is great news! I am sure the photos in the book are stunning, and I’m very intrigued by this recipe…Have a great rest of your weekend!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks so much Kasey 🙂
Sarah says
i’ve made my own lemoncello before but this recipe sounds great! do you sweeten your infusions to make liqueurs as well? i love entertaining with friends, do you have any cocktails you would recommend for an infusion like this one?
Brandon Matzek says
Hi Sarah, I have sweetened some of my infusions in the past, but I usually don’t. I like to add the sweetness during the cocktail making stage 🙂 You could use this infusion to make a darn tasty Mojito! I’m sure you could even do a spin on a Dark & Stormy.
Sandra says
Congratulations on the book and I’m enjoying your recipes!
Brandon Matzek says
Thank you Sandra!
Erin says
WOW. This is beautiful and I can only imagine how tasty this is. Thank you for sharing!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Erin!!
erin says
i love to make rosemary simple syrup in my gin cocktails! also, over the summer i made cucumber infused gin. delicious.
Brandon Matzek says
Cucumber + Gin = Amazing!
Cindy B. says
Raspberry-infused vodka
Cindy B. says
I like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook.
Cindy B. says
I subscribe to the Kitchen Konfidence recipe digest.
Jeff Holt says
Cool! Look forward to reading it. As a homebrewer, I am curious about the “Home Distiller” part of the book.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Jeff! I’ll have to say though that book doesn’t really cover distilling. It’s more like a collection of alcohol infusions.
Tara says
I love a gin cocktail with green chartreuse and a splash of St. Germain – – but recent tasted some house-infused Cardamom vodka at a local restaurant in DC and it was amazing!! Really hoping to do some of my own infusing.
C. B. says
Liking you on facebook. 🙂
But also, my mom loves this sort of thing. I really enjoy her honey liquor, even if it’s a little too sweet.
Congrats on the book!
Debbie says
Love the citrus vodkas
Anna F. says
I’m a new Facebook Fan!
Anna F. says
I subscribed to the blog!
Lauren says
I really want to make this as I LOVE grapefruit, but what would you mix the rum with later? Drink it straight? (eek!)
Edythe Martin says
We used to make a Kaluha type drink from coffee, vanilla bean, vodka and sugar. It was quite good.
Edythe Martin says
I liked you on Facebook.
Edythe Martin says
I subscribed.
Peterann says
Coffee liquer or raspberry cordial
Lissa says
So simple to make, but I love cucumber vodka – with tonic it’s so refreshing!
Lissa says
liked you on facebook
RONDA RICHEY says
LIKED KITCHEN KONFIDENCE ON FACEBOOK!!!!
Susana Konjicija says
I’ve had a cucumber cocktail when I visited my daughter in Chicago- it was surprisingly delicious! -but this time of year I love anything pumpkin spice flavored- would love to try that recipe, and thinking about getting both of my (grown) kids your book for Christmas 🙂
Todd says
I’ve Made a Pecan Praline Vodka. It was Great..
Different, But Good.. Good in Coffee !!
Dances says
I just found this website! I love all the recipes but the grapefruit infused vodka is awesome! I love this site…thank you so much and congrats on the book! I liked you on Facebook too!
evelyn kerr says
im subscribed..im going to love this!!!
Vali Henry says
We have Elderberry bushes on our property, & I’ve been making Elderberry infused vodka for years. The other flavors sound interesting, I’m going to try them!
Beckie Raven says
I love anything fruit flavored, especially apple.
Beckie Raven says
Liked on FB as The Wandering Path
Beckie Raven says
Subscribed as beckiesamples@gmail
Darlene Kirchner says
Kim my favorite is vodka and orange pieces but have been watching your recipes and love them all but the roasted pumpkin five spice ice cream makes you all most taste it.Merry Christmas
Tashav Lee says
Started infusions with vodka last year. Started by mistake when making extracts. Was just saying how helpful a reference book would be. Awesome!
Mr. Hogarth says
this looks like it was a great giveaway but it’s been a long time now can you show us how you made this recipe?
Eden Passante says
Love this idea! Perfect for summer cocktails!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Eden!!
Mark Ford says
Love Pineapple Rum….Have you tried making it with Canned Pineapple ?
Brandon Matzek says
I haven’t! Have you tried it?