Crafting Your Own Gins at Home Using Vodka as a Base

By coincidence when we at That's Food and Drink received  the news about James May's newly released gins, my wife and I were experimenting with a DIY gin making kit.

So, we decided to run a feature on making gin at home and the result is: Crafting Your Own Gins at Home Using Vodka as a Base.

In recent years, the art of craft distilling has surged in popularity, with enthusiasts exploring unique flavors and botanical combinations in their homemade spirits. 

One such endeavor is the creation of homemade gins, a process that allows for endless experimentation and customisation. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a traditional pot still or elaborate equipment to embark on this journey. With a bottle of vodka as your starting point and a selection of botanicals, you can craft your own delicious gin right in your own kitchen. So let's get into the fascinating world of DIY gin-making.

Choosing Your Base:

Vodka serves as the perfect base for crafting homemade gin due to its neutral flavour profile. It provides a clean canvas upon which you can layer your chosen botanicals, allowing their intricate flavours to shine through. 

Opt for a high-quality, unflavoured vodka to ensure the best results. While some purists may insist on using a traditional grain-based vodka, others find success with alternatives such as potato or grape-based vodkas. Ultimately, the choice is yours, so feel free to experiment with different options to discover your preferred base.

Selecting Botanicals:

The magic of gin lies in its botanical blend, typically dominated by juniper berries but complemented by a diverse array of herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. When selecting botanicals for your homemade gin, let your creativity guide you. Juniper berries are a must-have, providing the classic piney flavour that defines gin. 

Beyond juniper, consider adding botanicals such as coriander seeds, citrus peels, cardamom pods, lavender, or even unconventional choices like rose petals, fresh ginger root or lemongrass. The possibilities are endless, so don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect blend that suits your taste preferences.

The Infusion Process:

Infusing vodka with botanicals is where the magic truly happens. To begin, gather your chosen botanicals and add them to a clean, airtight container. There's no strict recipe to follow here, feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal preferences and desired flavour profile. 

Once your botanical blend is assembled, pour your vodka over the botanicals, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Seal the container tightly and place it in a cool, dark place to infuse. The duration of the infusion process can vary depending on the potency of your chosen botanicals and your desired flavour intensity. As a general guideline, aim for anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, tasting periodically until you achieve the desired flavour profile.

Straining and Bottling:

Once the infusion period is complete, it's time to strain your homemade gin to remove the spent botanicals and sediment. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and carefully pour the infused vodka through the strainer into a clean container. 

Press gently on the botanicals to extract any remaining liquid, then discard the spent ingredients in your composter 

Your homemade gin is now ready to be bottled and enjoyed. Transfer the strained gin into glass bottles or jars, ensuring that they are clean and airtight to preserve the freshness of your creation. Don't forget to label your bottles with the date of creation and the botanicals used, it's always satisfying to look back on your flavour experiments.

Crafting your own gin at home using vodka as a base is a rewarding and creative endeavor that allows you to tailor your spirits to your exact specifications. Whether you prefer a classic London dry style or a more adventurous botanical blend, the possibilities for experimentation are endless. 

With a bit of patience and a willingness to explore different flavours, you can create unique and delicious gins that rival those found on supermarket shelves or in your pub. 

So gather your botanicals, pour yourself a glass of creativity, and embark on the journey of homemade gin-making. Cheers to the art of craft distilling!

Also, we'll let you know how our first batch of gin goes. Wish us luck!