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The Buddha’s Hand Citron is one of the most gnarly, visually intriguing fruit I have ever seen. A small mass of vibrant yellow tentacles extending in every which way from a core of solid white pith. Unlike a regular lemon, the Buddha’s Hand Citron does not have juice inside. The fruit consists of pith, skin and the most wonderfully scented oil. Seriously. It’s amazing. The fruit gives off a sweet, lemony fragrance that is sure to induce pure citrus euphoria.
This vodka can be enjoyed on the rocks with a splash of soda water or mixed into a cocktail. It’s absolute heaven in a Meyer Lemon Drop. To make a Meyer Lemon Drop add 2 oz. Buddha’s Hand Citron Infused Vodka, 1 1/2 oz. Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup* and 1 oz. Meyer Lemon Juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously then strain into a chilled glass adorned with a sugared rim. Garnish with a thin slice of meyer lemon. So. Yum. Continue reading for the recipe.
Buddha's Hand Citron Infused Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 Buddha's Hand Citron
- 750 ml vodka
Instructions
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Be sure to give the citron a good rinse, wiping away any grit between the fingers (these guys can be quite dirty). Cut the fingers from the core of the hand and carve away any excess white pith. No need to get all crazy cutting away the pith - it's not really bitter like regular lemon pith, so it's fine if you have some remaining.
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Slice each finger in half lengthwise and place in a large, airtight jar. Fill the jar with vodka, seal, and store in a cool, dark spot. Steeping time will depend on how big your citron is. The more sliced fingers you have in the jar, the shorter the infusion time. My batch was fragrant and delicious after 7 days. Shake the jar every so often and taste frequently.
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Strain the vodka into a clean jar or bottle through a fine mesh basket strainer lined with a layer of cheesecloth.** Discard solids.
Recipe Notes
** You want to be certain that you strain out all of the solid materials from the vodka. Any leftover particles will breakdown over time and have an adverse affect on the taste. You should strain our the vodka with a fine-mesh basket strainer or a coffee filter (or both if you are worried!). Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 months.
*To make Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup, add 2 cups white sugar to a small saucepan with 2 cups water and the zest of 2 meyer lemons. Warm over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil, bubble for a minute then take off the heat. Strain into a clean bowl and let cool completely. Stir in 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Store in the refrigerator.
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Ann P says
I’ve never tried a buddha’s hand citron before! It looks like it makes a DELICIOUS coctail 🙂 Did you get yours at the asian market/whole foods/other grocery store? They sound like a great option if a recipe calls for zest but no juice! sometimes I have naked lemons sitting in my fridge b/c I used all their zest, but not their juice, heheh.
Brandon Matzek says
I am lucky enough to have a friend with a Buddha’s Hand Citron tree! I have seen them at farmer’s markets and whole foods though.
PS. I totally have naked lemons sitting in my fridge too! I use so much zest 😉
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
I’ve never bought or I don’t think eaten a Buddhas Hand. They’ve always felt so mysterious to me.
Thanks for de-mystifying them!
Kim - Liv Life says
A girlfriend of mine makes this every year for us for the holidays!! Your photos, as usual, are wonderful. Saw you on tv! Nicely done, Brandon!!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Kim!!
Kim Bee says
I am speechless. And that never happens.
Eliot says
I have seen Buddha Hand trees for sale in a tropical plant catalog that we get. I have always wanted to order one for the green house. Another inspired potent potable, Brandon.
Sandra says
I seen one of these at the grocery store last week and didn’t have a clue what to do with it. Now I know, thank you.
Connie says
Yes, this will be my next Saturday night drink! Do I have to take out the zest after 7 days or can I keep it longer?
sippitysup says
Several bloggers gave me their versions of Buddha Hand Infused Vodka for our blogger Christmas party! I guess they know what I like. Your version look fantastic. GREG
autumn says
I used to work in a greenhouse where we grew buddha’s hand and was ALWAYS tempted to pluck them off the tree and put them in my pocket. Gorgeous pics and this sounds phenomenal.
LettuceEatFood says
Does anyone have any experience with using the Buddha’s hand to infuse bourbon?
PAUL J. HINTERSTEINER says
I am request permission to use some of your articles in my book the history of food to help this and the next generation to live healthier lives.
Brandon Matzek says
Hi Paul, please contact me at brandon [at] kitchenkonfidence [dot] com to discuss further. Thanks!