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Make Your Own Herbal Vinegars

Herbal vinegars are a culinary delight.  They can be used to cook with, drizzled straight out of the bottle as a healthy alternative to salad dressing, and make wonderful, homespun gifts.

Once you have perfected your personal recipe for herbal vinegar begin experimenting with different base vinegars like cider or wine vinegar.  Vary the amounts and types of herbs.  The results will be a culinary creation unlike anything store bought.   Here you will find the basic instructions to launch you on your way to creating your very own culinary masterpiece.

 Basic Ingredients

1 Quart of distilled white vinegar to 1-2 Cups of fresh herb depending on the intensity of the herb and flavor you prefer.

Place the fresh herb into a large jar

Choose a jar with a lid that is non metallic as the vinegar will corrode it.  Use a bottle with a cork or plastic cap.  If you must use a metal lid, put a piece of wax paper in between the lid and the mouth of the jar.

Bring the vinegar to a boil

Bring your vinegar to a boil on the stove.  Pour the boiling vinegar over the fresh herb in your prepared jar.  Seal the cap and store in a cool, dark place for one month.  Shake gently every so often.

Strain the liquid into a new, clean jar

After the month is over strain the liquid into a new clean jar.  Be certain to use an appropriate container with a plastic or cork lid like this Revol Ceramic Vinegar Cruet available from Sur La Table.

Use a cloth or coffee filter to finely strain the vinegar then discard the remaining herb.

Drop in a fresh herb

If you are creating these vinegars to give as gifts make it more special with a unique bottle that the gift recipient can reuse long after the gift has been consumed.  If you have opted to make a large batch to give to family and friends, a simple, inexpensive glass bottle is a nice touch showcasing the beauty of the added herbs.  Or for that one special person purchase a more expensive bottle that is as much part of the gift as the vinegar itself. 

Storing

According to the Colorado State University Extension Service you should take a few precautions. "For the best retention of flavors, store flavored vinegars in the refrigerator or a cool dark place. If properly prepared, flavored vinegars should retain good quality for two to three months in cool room storage and for six to eight months in refrigerated storage. Some people enjoy displaying pretty bottles of herb and fruit vinegars on a kitchen window sill. If left out for more than a few weeks, these bottles are best considered as decoration and not used in food preparation. "

Even if you are giving this gift to a few chosen friends be sure you make a large batch so you can keep a few bottles on hand for a last minute hostess gift, a personal touch to a gift basket, or a welcome addition to the dinner table.