Time for something a little more adult.. So you want to make hard liquor do you! Well with this recipe you can use either fresh dandelion flower heads or the fresh roots, The roots can be a little muddy so here is the dandelion flower schnapps recipe instead.
Pick the flowers in spring or summer when in full flower or are just about to open the key to a honey like flavour is to get the young flowers.
Depending on how much you want to make is how much flowers you’ll need, for a cup of schnapps you’ll need two thirds of a cup of prepared flowers.
Like this? Check out my Elderflower Champagne recipe too.
How to make a flavoured Scnapps
To make schnapps, you can infuse vodka with various fruits, herbs, or spices to create your won favourite or desired flavour. Here's a simple method to make flavoured schnapps using a vodka base:
Ingredients:
Vodka
Fruits, herbs, or spices of your choice (e.g., berries, citrus fruits, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla)
Mason jars or airtight containers
Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
Optional: sugar or simple syrup (if you prefer a sweeter schnapps)
Instructions:
Clean and prepare your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices. For fruits, remove any stems, seeds, or pits and cut them into smaller pieces if needed.
Place the fruits, herbs, or spices into mason jars or airtight containers.
Pour vodka into the containers, covering the ingredients completely.
Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for about 1 to 2 weeks. The infusion time can vary depending on the intensity of flavor you desire. Remember to shake the jars gently every couple of days to agitate the ingredients and aid in the infusion process.
After the desired infusion period, strain the infused vodka using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
If you prefer a sweeter schnapps, you can add sugar or simple syrup to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired sweetness. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Transfer the flavored schnapps into clean, airtight bottles for storage.
Allow the schnapps to mellow for a few days before consuming to allow the flavors to further develop.
Dandelion Flower Schnapps Recipe
Clean the Dandelion flowers by removing the green casing that holds the flower head (the sepal) making sure that you remove everything that is green whilst also trying to leave the flowers whole (it doesn’t really matter if they break up a bit it will just make it easier to remove them).
Use a clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids, fill as many to 2/3 of flower heads that you need. Each should be 2/3’s of cleaned flower heads and then topped up with unflavoured vodka - 40% min, making sure that all of the flower heads are covered but there is a little air above.
Let steep in a dark place at room temperature to steep for 1-7 days.
Shake lightly and taste it from time to time. When the perfect Dandelion flavour has been achieved strain and filter your infusion into a clean glass bottle with a sealable lid.
If for any unfortunate reason the flavour is found to be lacking why not add some honey.
The Dandelion flower schnapps should be enjoyed within a few of days, as it will not keep for long.
I keep my Schnapps in the fridge, but you will taste the flavours of Dandelion more at room temperature, either way it’s a matter of taste. Serve it in nice shot glasses and enjoy on the side of an Espresso coffee.
You can also make this recipe with many other wild or garden flowers, check out my guide to Edible Flowers for more information.
Flower based Scnapps Recipe Ideas
There are several flowers that can be used to make schnapps and infuse it with unique flavors. Here are a few options:
Elderflower: Elderflowers have a delicate and floral flavour that works well in schnapps. You can infuse vodka with fresh elderflowers to create a fragrant and slightly sweet schnapps.
Lavender: Lavender flowers impart a lovely floral and aromatic flavour. Infusing vodka with dried or fresh lavender buds can result in a fragrant and soothing lavender schnapps.
Rose: Roses have a distinct floral and slightly sweet taste. You can use rose petals, preferably unsprayed and organic, to infuse vodka and create a delicately flavoured rose schnapps.
Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers have a tart and slightly fruity flavour. Infusing vodka with dried hibiscus flowers can result in a vibrant and tangy hibiscus schnapps.
Jasmine: Jasmine flowers have a strong, sweet, and fragrant aroma. Infusing vodka with dried jasmine flowers can create a distinctive and aromatic jasmine schnapps.
Remember to use flowers that are edible and free from pesticides or chemicals. It's always a good idea to research the specific flowers you plan to use and ensure they are safe for consumption. Additionally, make sure to properly strain the flowers from the schnapps to avoid any unpleasant textures or flavours.
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