Cream of Vanilla
A delicious vanilla-flavored cordial made by infusing high-proof alcohol with vanilla tincture and sweetening with simple syrup. This historical recipe creates an elegant after-dinner liqueur.
Ingredients
- 12 drops Vanilla extract (pure) (Modern substitute for tincture of vanilla; use pure vanilla extract)
- 4 cups Vodka (high-proof, 80-100 proof) (Modern substitute for spirits of wine; 1 quart)
- 4 cups Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) (1 quart; can be store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- 1Add 12 drops of pure vanilla extract to 4 cups (1 quart) of high-proof vodka in a clean glass bottle or jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to ensure the vanilla is well distributed throughout the alcohol.
- 2Pour 4 cups (1 quart) of simple syrup into the vanilla-vodka mixture. Seal the container and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the syrup and alcohol are completely combined.
- 3Allow the mixture to stand undisturbed for 15 minutes. This resting period allows any particles to settle and the flavors to meld together.
- 4Line a funnel with coffee filters or cheesecloth and place over a clean glass bottle. Slowly pour the cordial through the filter. If the liquid comes out bright and clear on the first pass, you're done. If it appears cloudy, filter it 2-3 more times through fresh filters until clear.
- 5Seal the filtered cordial in a clean glass bottle. Store in a cool, dark place. Serve chilled in small cordial glasses as an after-dinner digestif. The cordial will keep indefinitely due to its high alcohol content.
