To infuse butterfly pea flower in gin, you'll need a few key ingredients and some time to let the flavors meld together. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautifully infused gin:
1. Gather your ingredients: You'll need dried butterfly pea flower tea and your choice of gin. While we recommend Beehive Jack Rabbit, Alpine Gin, or Madame Patterini from Ogden's Own, feel free to use any good quality gin that suits your taste preferences.
2. Measure the tea and gin: For every 1.5 ounces of gin you want to infuse, use 1 teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flower tea. This ratio ensures a balanced infusion without overpowering the gin's original flavor.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a clean glass container or jar, add the desired amount of gin. Then, carefully measure and add the appropriate amount of dried butterfly pea flower tea. Make sure the container is large enough to allow space for the flowers to soak and expand.
4. Let it steep: Allow the flowers to soak in the gin for 2 to 12 hours, depending on how dark you want your gin to be. The longer you steep, the deeper the color and flavor infusion will be. Keep in mind that the infusion process is not an exact science, and personal taste preferences may vary. Experiment with different steeping times to find your preferred intensity.
5. Check the color periodically: During the infusion process, check the color of the gin periodically to determine if it has reached your desired shade. The butterfly pea flowers will gradually release their vibrant blue color into the gin, creating a visually stunning result. If you're satisfied with the color, it's time to move on to the next step.
6. Strain the infused gin: Once the desired infusion time is reached, strain the gin to remove the butterfly pea flowers. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any sediment or tea leaves. This step ensures a smooth and clear infused gin.
7. Bottle and store: Transfer the infused gin into a clean glass bottle or container for storage. Airtight containers are ideal to maintain the freshness and flavors of the infusion. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the quality of your infused gin.
8. Enjoy and experiment: Your butterfly pea flower-infused gin is now ready to be enjoyed! It can be sipped neat or used as a base for various cocktails. The vibrant blue color can also add a unique touch to your drink presentations. Feel free to experiment and create your signature cocktails using this beautifully infused gin.
Remember, the infusion process allows you to customize the flavor and appearance of your gin. Don't be afraid to explore different infusion times or experiment with other botanicals to create your own unique combinations. The possibilities are endless, and the joy of crafting your own infused gin is truly rewarding. Cheers!