StillSmart

OK, whilst playing with the T500 took the opportunity to check out some of the Christmas specials.
First up is chilli vodka. Made 2 lots, one with fairly conventional chilli's and the other with scotch bonnet. Slitted the chilli's and dumped them in a litre of the magic stuff, left for 6 weeks
No. 1 was VERY HOT - PAINFUL - couldn't build up the courage to try No.2. Interesting point, when watered with tonic it seemed even hotter! so that is the Christmas family challenge sorted. Reckon it should beat the students!
Second beverage was sloe gin but to a different recipe. A visit to the Plymouth Gin factory suggested that there was a better way than soaking with lots of sugar so we tried there approach. A little bit of sugar and 70% spirit.
6 weeks in - so not ready yet - it tastes great, if a little strong. Trying to decide if I should cut it or keep it at 70%!
Crossed my mind that a couple of glasses of 70% sloe gin would, perhaps, be a good preamble to the chilli vodka!

Got a recipe for gin which i tried

make a very pure vodka, then add the following essence.

Simmer 35 g of juniper berries in 350 mL of 50% vodka for ten minutes with the lid on,

let cool overnight, then filter through coffee filters.

Use 5-10 mL of this essence per bottle of vodka.
TAKE GREAT CARE AND DO NOT DO WHAT I DID

I took the lid off to see what the essence was like and it burst into flames - put a wet towel over it and as it burned the vodka (about a minute) the liquid turned a nice amber colour.

Not sure now how strong the essence will be - will give it a try though hic!

Laugh, couldn\'t dry my trousers!
Now that sounds like my sorry of flavouring! I could connect the still the wrong way round and make gallons of it!