From Garden To Garnish: Infusing Lemongrass With Spirits At Home
Of the different herbs that are used in mixology, lemongrass is one ingredient which is not only muddled or used as a garnishing element in drinks, but it is also an element that can be turned into an infusion ingredient in cocktail craft. This means, the grassy, citrusy and slightly spicy notes of lemongrass can be imbued into a number of different spirits like gin or vodka which can absorb the herb’s flavours to in turn use these aromatised infusions for making flavoured cocktails.
Moreover, lemongrass is also one such ingredient which can easily be cultivated in the home garden or a herb garden tended to in the small backyard behind one’s kitchen. Grassy stalks of lemongrass can be plucked out of small pots or little beds in which this herb thrives to then utilise them in making homemade infusions. And making these homemade infusions is much easier than what one would expect.
When finished, these blends not only exude the aroma of lemongrass but also uniformly carry the flavour of this herb in the spirit such that it permeates all through a cocktail when the liquor is used for mixing drinks. Cocktails such as a lemongrass-infused gin and tonic or a lemongrass-infused margarita can then be prepared using infused gin or tequila that are complete with the fragrant touch of this herb.
Garnishing such drinks with a lemongrass stalk builds into the overall effect of imbuing the drinks with these Asian-inspired flavours. These mixes can also be given an even more of a tropical touch by introducing other complimentary flavours in the blends in the form of fresh fruit chunks, coconut cream or even a hint of spicy chilli for a contrasting component.
Here’s simple recipe to prepare such a lemongrass-infused gin at home using this herb which grows in one’s home garden:
Ingredients:
1-2 long, fresh lemongrass stalks
500 ml of Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice
Fine strainer or cheesecloth
Clean jar with an airtight lid
Funnel for transferring the infused spirit into a bottle
Method:
– Prep the lemongrass by peeling off the outer layers of 1-2 stalks to reveal the bright green, grassy herb. Gently bruise the herb with the back of the knife to release its essential oils. For better coverage, chop the stalks into 2 or 3 pieces.
Place this prepped lemongrass in a jar and use a funnel to add 500 ml of Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice to the herb and seal the container tightly. Store this in a cool, dry place for about 2 to 5 days. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth once the infusion process is complete and transfer the spirit into a clean bottle using the funnel again. The lemongrass-infused gin will now be ready to craft cocktails complete with the flavour of this herb.
Pro Tips:
– Add Complimentary Aromatics: For a more heightened aroma in the infusion, blend lemongrass with ginger, kaffir lime or even a piece of vanilla bean whose flavours and fragrances would compliment the herb’s crisp and peppery touch.
– Date And Label Bottles: Ensuring that bottles with infused spirits are labelled and dated makes the process of storing and using them that much smoother. Infused spirits can last for at least a couple of months and labels indicate that they can be used hassle-free during this period.
– Measure Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a very robust ingredient and can release all its flavours quickly into spirits. Add this herb accordingly in order to craft infused liquors with a pronounced yet hardly overpowering lemongrass flavour.
Also Read: Lemongrass In A Glass: 5 Cocktails That Highlight This Summer Ingredient
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
