Kesar Vodka Infusion To Give A Touch Of Royalty To Your Cocktail Game
The Indian subcontinent and many regions in south east and west Asia are lands where spices grow in abundance and are incorporated into varied culinary fares to give them lots of depth and complexity. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg figure prominently in myriad dishes such as aromatic biryanis, curries and desserts like kheer and halwa.
A spice that reigns supreme amidst these culinary adornments is kesar, or saffron, which introduces an appealing aroma and an exquisite taste into both sweet and savoury recipes.
Saffron strands symbolise luxury and elegance, the fragrance they exude shows off sheer opulence, and inevitably so, kesar is often used in the preparation of treats that spell grandeur and royalty.
In the world of mixology too, saffron is often incorporated into many alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes to bring into the drinks its characteristic luxurious quality that has led to kesar being known as the ‘royal spice.’
Making saffron strands is a labour intensive process that has over time made this royal flavour a gourmet product and good quality saffron is now a spice that is slightly heavy on your pockets. Yet, it is saffron which adds that essentially rich quality to several drinks ranging from a non-alcoholic aam panna to a saffron infused pastis cocktail enjoyed at sunset.
So too, saffron can be added to different alcoholic infusions to craft base liquors for cocktails which would bring that grand touch to any blend.
Saffron Vodka Infusion
Saffron is a very versatile spice that can be added to different spirits and mixers to introduce its rich and heavy aromas into a variety of drinks. Making saffron infused spirits is one of the more appealing ways to bring its flavours into your cocktails because the complex notes of the spice blend with greater depth into the liquor when they are allowed to seep in for a longer time.
A spirit which is exceedingly conducive to saffron infusions is vodka because its clear and sharp taste can hold in bold flavours. As well, the translucent colour of the spirit makes it easier for the saffron to release its own hues that would then spread through the drink to give it a welcoming golden touch.
Preparing such a saffron infused vodka at home can be a wonderful DIY activity and you can dabble with the royal spice in your kitchen to produce a stunning spirit that would act as the core liquor in multiple cocktails.
Getting To It
Begin your infusion process well before your next cocktail house party by toasting the saffron lightly on a pan to release its natural oils.
Then, choose a premium quality vodka and place the saffron strands in a jar before pouring the spirit over the spice.
Add a dash of honey or simple syrup to the infusion if you want to introduce a light, sweet quality into the mix.
Stir the vodka and saffron mixture and seal the container tight so the flavours of the spice are released in their entirety.
Once your infused vodka is ready, you can either strain the strands out or you can allow them to float in the spirit as an inviting garnish.
Saffron Infused Vodka In Cocktails
This luxurious infusion acts as a splendid base spirit particularly in cocktails which are a fusion of flavours from around the globe. You can use saffron infused vodka to make drinks that are slightly on the heavier and more indulgent side.
This includes a saffron vodka and aam panna cocktail that combines the sweet and sour notes of the mango mocktail with the lightly bitter and deep flavours of the aromatic spirit.
Other cocktails that can be prepared out of saffron infused vodka include a saffron thandai, a tempting saffron vodka martini cocktail or a saffron vodka and lemonade spritz.
Next time you host a cocktail gathering that celebrates an important occasion or one where you just want to splurge like royalty, have in store this luxurious saffron infused vodka and prepare these indulgent cocktails that pack quite an elegant finish.
