Saturday, July 23, 2011

Herbal Digestif


I made this herbal digestif for the food swap I recently attended. This is a simple recipe with spectacular results - perfect to keep on hand for last minute host gifts and to offer guests at impromptu drop-ins. Herbal digestifs are great aides for digestion (especially after a large meal) or to help alleviate other ailments (simply match the herbs used to the desired treatment). This version is also great for cocktails (see the recipes below). Any herbs or whole spices can be made into a digestif or infusion, so use your imagination and my below selections and a guideline. You can find similar glass bottles at kitchen supply stores.


********************

Herbal Digestif

Clear, neutral alcohol, such as a decent quality Vodka or Everclear (I used Fleischmanns)

Selection of fresh herbs, approximately 6-7 sprigs of herbs for each quart (32oz) of alcohol (I used tarragon, rosemary, common thyme and lemon thyme)

1. Thoroughly wash selected herbs. Place in clean, dry container (such as a mason jar or glass bottle with stopper) and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, warm enough alcohol to fill bottle over medium-high heat. Bring to just under boiling. Remove from heat and pour into jar or container (use a funnel if needed).

3. Secure the top or lid of container and store in a cool, dry place for at least a week. Shake container each day for the first week to help release oils from herbs.

4. After one week, the digestif is ready to use (it will be a lovely shade of chartreuse). Filter with cheesecloth and discard herbs, if desired. Will keep indefinitely in a cool, dry location. Drink approximately one ounce each evening or after large meals for digestive aide, or serve in a cocktail. Enjoy!


Bloody Mary Mary Quite Contrary
Serves One

2 oz. herbal digestif
6 oz. tomato juice
4 drops Tabasco sauce
1/2 tsp. horseradish
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Celery salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass with ice, Garnish with a celery stalk.

Herb's Harvest
Serves Two

2 oz. herbal digestif
5 oz. pear puree
5 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. cranberry juice
1/2 oz. almond syrup

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Garden Select Vodka Tonic
Serves One

1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 oz. herbal digestif
5 oz. tonic

Stir ingredients together in a highball glass with ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon slice.

Garden Ale
Serves One

2 oz. herbal digestif
1/2 oz. dry vermouth
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
Ginger Ale

In a collins glass, combine herbal digestif and vermouth. Add ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with an olive.

9 comments:

kate said...

thank you so much for sharing the link!! great tips!

Lynn said...

Sounds fun. Your food swap looked amazing!!

Melissa Blake said...

thanks so much for this! :)

Deanna (Silly Goose Farm) said...

Thank YOU for all the sweet comments! I love comments, and I love thoughtful readers (nay, friends).

Amy@OldSweetSong said...

LOVE THIS! And I am jealous of the food swap.

John Petter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

This is a very interesting blog and so I like to visit your blog again and again. Keep it up.
Herbal Potpourri

Legal Herbal Bud said...

This is a good common sense Blog. Very helpful to one who is just finding the resources about this part. It will certainly help educate me.
Rated Top Herbal Incense Potpourri - legalherbalspice.com

K2 Spray Papers Online said...

Fantastic Article! Thanks for sharing such ideas. We need more of it. Thanks
Buy Herbal Incense Online