Blood orange and fennel is a classic flavor combo, and so when blood oranges went on major sale at my local grocery store a few weeks ago, I just couldn’t resist buying a whole heap of them to feature in this delicious fennel vodka and blood orange cocktail!
I’ve been on such a simple syrup infusion kick lately that I’ve almost forgotten all about the booze! Almost. So today I wanted to feature liquor infusions, specifically this beautifully fragrant fennel vodka.
Fennel seeds are a great choice to feature in making a flavored vodka (or even simple syrup!) because they are incredibly fragrant and infuse their flavor very nicely into whatever background item you’re using. For example, blood orange and fennel is a great combo to feature in a simple, light butter sauce for these beet ravioli (which are delicious by the way!).
This vodka is really easy to make and it really starts to gain its potent fennel fragrance after just a couple of days. In the recipe I call for leaving the fennel seeds in for 5-7 days, but you can leave the fennel seeds in for a shorter or longer time period depending on your taste preference.
Related: Clementine Gin Fizz
Then just juice up some delicious blood oranges and pair them with your fennel vodka, thyme simple syrup, egg whites and some bitters. Yum!
Now it’s your turn: What is your favorite unique make-at-home vodka flavor? Share with me below!
- 1 oz. fennel vodka
- 1 1/2 oz. blood orange juice
- 1 egg white
- ½ oz. thyme simple syrup
- 1-2 drops bitters
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 tbsp. fennel seeds
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 bunch thyme sprigs, whole
- To a jar with an airtight seal, add vodka and fennel seeds. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for 5-7 days (or longer if you prefer a more potent fennel flavor).
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and add thyme sprigs. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove thyme and strain into a glass container for storage. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
- Fill a champagne coupe with ice water and set aside. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add fennel vodka, blood orange juice, egg white, and simple syrup. Shake until fully combined, about 25-30 seconds. Empty ice water from champagne coupe and strain contents of shaker into glass. Enjoy!
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Sarah is a food blogger from Metro Detroit who believes that gourmet food should be accessible to all home cooks. 
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