This isn’t the short version of how to make strawberry liquer — it takes the scenic route by way of the 80’s — so if you’re in a hurry, this may take a while.
I lived for a few years in Columbia, Maryland not far from the Merriweather Post Pavillion, which is a concert venue here in Maryland. In the summer, I could hear the concerts of many popular artists from where I lived, and even enjoyed attending a few concerts there myself. Lawn seats were the way to go in those days — they were not only the cheapest but offered up some great fun as you sat and mingled with the other folks around you — because everyone was in fairly close proximity.
On one particular night, I was hanging out on the lawn with friends awaiting the start of a Dire Straits concert. We happened to eye a group of guys who settled in on a spot close to us, and noticed that they were hauling a large watermelon with them. Those were the days when you were allowed to bring in your own food and beverages, and most would bring in a brown bag meal or a small picnic basket, but I never saw anyone bring in a watermelon.
Mind you, these were fearless days and long before the lunacy of today’s gangs and guns. It was a time when people really enjoyed each others’ company and meeting new people was an easy thing to do.
Before too much time, the group of boys noticed our glances and we struck up a conversation. Our curiosity had gotten the better of us, and we could no longer contain the burning question that no one had yet to ask…
“Of all things to bring to a concert venue, you guys brought a watermelon?” we asked. “Oh, this is not just any watermelon”, they responded, “this watermelon is very special. “
We tried unsuccessfully to coax a clarification out of them, but alas, they insisted that we wait until the intermission when the secret to the watermelon’s presence would not only be revealed, but also shared with us.
As the concert began, we all kept an eye on that watermelon, as if we expected it to grow legs and start dancing to a version of shake your booty…
With great anticipation, we watched and we waited.
Finally…the intermission was upon us, and as promised, the lads strolled over to us and sat down. They took out a pocket knife and began slicing into the watermelon. A sweet aroma rose up to greet us, but there was something different – there was something more than the fragrance of a ripe watermelon, and yet it was something we could not pinpoint. The boys reached over and grabbed a piece of rind revealing a skillfully carved hole, about 2” wide. This was a hidden spout through which they poured grape juice and vodka early that morning, and allowed it to steep inside the watermelon throughout the day.
From the smell alone, I do believe that my love affair with vodka and fruit had begun on that very day.
After finally enjoying a delicious slice of watermelon, I will say that it was unlike anything I had ever had. There was not much liquor to pour out of it, as both the vodka and the grape juice were absorbed into the watermelon, but it was very easy to eat. You know those delicious drinks that are really easy to throw back, and when you finally go to stand up you can’t find your feet– well, this was just like one of those delicious drinks, except it didn’t pack a punch, it packed a wallop.
Over the years, fruit flavored vodkas have become very popular and can now be found everywhere at $35 per bottle and up. Yes, you heard me right– very pricey– but did you know that these infusions are actually very easy to make?
All you have to do is keep any eye out for some ripe organic berries or your favorite citrus fruit. Pick up a bottle of inexpensive vodka, put them together and let time do its magic. I usually follow a double steeping method which provides a fruitier flavor over a shorter period of time. Serve this as an accompanying liquer with some delicious chocolates, or pour this over some ice cream. Keep it stored in the refrigerator and surprise your guests with some fruity love on a warm summer night.
Strawberry Infused Vodka Liquer
1 500ml bottle of Absolut vodka
6 cups of fresh, ripe strawberries, in 2 additions
1 ¼ cup sugar
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
Rind of one small lemon, without the pith, in 2 additions
Large ceramic bowl or lidded glass container
Begin by placing the sugar, water and corn syrup into a small pot, and allow this to come to a rolling boil, then remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Place 3 cups of strawberries into a ceramic bowl or glass container along with the rind of half a lemon, pour over the cooled syrup and the 500 mls of vodka.
Cover this and refrigerate for 3 days. On the 3rd day, pour everything through a cheese cloth, ring out all of the liquid and remove the fruit and rind, but save the liquid.
Add in another 3 cups of fresh berries along with the rind of the remaining lemon and repeat this procedure for another 3 days.
On the final day, strain the liquer again through a cheese cloth and ring out as much of the liquid as possible. Store this in a lidded bottle and keep refrigerated.
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