Infused Vodka Round 2: Apple Pecan & Cardamom Fig (Set-Up)

Back before Booze Clues & Drink.Smoke.Games were a thing, we tried our hand at infused vodkas. It's been almost 4 years since that first endeavor, so we decided it was time to give it a go again!

This time we did not want to add sugar if possible (time will tell if we stick to this!). We're going for more fall flavors this time as well. Since we already had the 2 half gallon mason jars on hand, and decided not to be so snobby about the vodka (last time we used Belvedere), I thought this round would be cheaper. But, figs are pretty pricey!

We also debated a lot about which vodka we wanted to use, and ultimately settled on Tito's. I was unsure about using them for infusions, but their website has a ton of recipes. Also, Tito's is totally a house favorite. You don't need to use an expensive vodka, but make sure it's something you like the taste of. To save some cash, I picked up a handle and split it between the two infusions.

Big Bear wanted to do something with pecan, and we kept playing around with different ideas. Wakowski did that spiced pecan bourbon, which was delicious, but we wanted to branch out a bit more than switching up the liquor and thought about doing a cinnamon roasted pecan instead. We actually decided to go for an apple crumble type of flavor by adding in baking apples and cinnamon.

• 3 baking apples (gala, fuji, braeburn, pink lady, honey crisp, etc), peeled & diced
• 1 cup pecans, toasted
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 750ml vodka

Mouse kept jumping between different fruity ideas (mostly debating between peach basil or strawberry peach basil), but ultimately decided on cardamom fig. Which is fitting, since she always made sure we had brie & fig jam (or brie & apple date chutney) at Booze Clues.

• 1 tray figs (about 1 pound, or 18 figs), quartered
• 1.5 Tbsp cardamom pods, crushed/split
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 750ml vodka

We're letting these go for about 1 week, keeping them in a cool, dark place and shaking/mixing once per day. Next week we'll do a taste test & post the results. We plan to roll these out for Halloween, but given how early we are starting there may be time for another 2 flavors! We've got a few ideas lined up at least, and if not Halloween then by New Years will feature them :)

If you are interested in our previous attempts, be sure to check the post on Mouse's personal blog:
Infused Vodka Round 1: Cucumber Melon & Sour Apple (Set-up)
Infused Vodka Round 1: Cucumber Melon & Sour Apple (Week 1) 
Infused Vodka Round 1: Cucumber Melon & Sour Apple (Week 2 & Final Results)